Editorial: Cuts to pool funding foolish

There will be cost-cutting measures put in place for Mount Hot Pools. Photo/John Borren

Proposed cuts to city amenities in the council's draft annual plan were always going to be contentious. Yet few would disagree that the budget needs not just a trimming but major invasive surgery.

Debt is at straining levels with Tauranga City Council holding the dubious honour of giving ratepayers one of the highest debt burdens in the country. With Tauranga poised for more rapid growth, there will be more essential spending.

From arts to sports to libraries, current council spending is in the spotlight.

The pie has to be cut and not everyone is happy.

But some cuts really do seem to be a false economy; losing something significant to gain not very much. As with the proposed cuts to public pools.

John Cousins reported on Saturday that planned cost- cutting measures for Mount Hot Pools, Memorial Pool and Baywave have inflamed public opinion, with pool users astonished that the council was considering such far-reaching changes for such meagre savings.

The changes to pool opening times threaten the future of the 82-year-old Tauranga swimming club, the popular children's sport of flippa ball and early morning therapeutic swims by people recovering from surgery. Today Natalie Dixon reports that Otumoetai Swimming Club may take over Otumoetai Pool but pool users fear their access will be restricted.

It does not make sense to cut services that save lives, offer significant health and recreational benefits and are used widely in the community.

Only this month we reported the Bay of Plenty had the worst drowning rates in the country. Public pools offer swimming lessons for relatively little cost compared to private pools. Obesity levels are at record highs for Kiwi adults and children.

The Bay of Plenty's older population benefit from exercise in the water for both health and remedial activities.

I believe other areas are more deserving of cuts. This is just my two cents. Make sure you have yours.

The public can make submissions on the council's draft annual plan until April 22.

Decisions made after then affect this city's future. Make sure your voice is heard.