Letters: A hot idea for Kiwa Pools

Gisborne District Council wants public input into redeveloping the outdoor area of the old Olympic Pools and joining it with the Kiwa Pools. It has created an online survey which people have until March 15 to fill out. Photo / Gisborne Herald

Re: The Gisborne Herald, Friday, Page 5.

Let’s get hot. Community consultation is open for outdoor spaces at Kiwa Pools. I’d like to throw an idea into the mix: let’s build a sauna.

At the moment, it’s not even a suggestion in the plans. Let’s change that.

When the $40 million redevelopment of the pools was completed, a lot of people I know were surprised there was no sauna. Almost every pool in Auckland and Wellington has one and they are packed. Why?

Because people love, love, love, saunas. They’re good for your health. Great for older people with achy bones and athletes with tired muscles. They’re a good way to catch up with friends and a great way to avoid family events.

I’m relatively new to the sauna game, but after going for the past five years, I’ve realised they are especially important for men.

For many men, connection happens with alcohol.

In a sauna, something different happens. You’re sitting together in a hot room, phones away, you simply sit. Conversation naturally happens. Young men talk to older men. Strangers become friends. It’s a space for connection that doesn’t revolve around getting wasted.

Of course, there are the physical health benefits. Saunas are linked to improved circulation, reduced inflammation, relaxation and overall wellbeing.

Why at Kiwa Pools? Because the best saunas in the world are next to water. Imagine diving into the ocean between sessions. A rush. And it’s a community asset, but right now it’s focused on children and swimmers. Why not target others in the community? Make it a place people come regularly after work or the gym to wind down.

A sauna doesn’t have to cost millions. A quick Google shows we could buy a prebuilt 10-seater sauna for $57,000.

This is going to be a $6.5 million redevelopment. A sauna is well within budget and will be adored by many.

Here’s my wero. Let’s get a sauna at Kiwa Pools. I’d happily contribute time or money toward making it happen, and I reckon others would too. Let’s get hot.

Fill out the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HQ9RQ8

Jack Marshall is a journalist for the New Zealand Herald and has previously worked for the Gisborne Herald.

Letter Guidelines

• Max 350 words
• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only. No noms-de-plume.
• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.
• Letters must be original and factually accurate.
• No personal attacks, defamatory claims or offensive language.
• Local letter writers are given preference.
• All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity and legal reasons at the editor’s discretion.

Send to: editor@gisborneherald.co.nz