Asbestos discovered during repairs

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Repair work to Gisborne's 47-year-old indoor swimming pool has halted after contractors discovered asbestos in the overflow channel.

The affected area, which was already closed to the public, was sealed and isolated after contractors found a substance thought to be asbestos on April 20.

A site assessment was undertaken and on April 23 it was confirmed as asbestos.

The rest of the Olympic Pool Complex remains open.

Gisborne District Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann confirmed contractors raised health and safety concerns after the discovery.

“Once contractors identified potential asbestos risk, staff were advised and maintenance work stopped.

“Gisborne District Council's health and safety manager has been providing advice, along with independent asbestos assessors and asbestos removal contractors.

“As part of preparing for renewal work and given the age of the facility, GDC was conscious of the potential for finding asbestos. This is a contingency that is provided for,” she said.

Further testing will be undertaken today and the cost or removal will be known when a removal plan has been confirmed.

Mrs Thatcher Swann said there was “some contingency” within the pool budget to respond to costs such as this.

The removal cost would come from operational budgets, not the new Olympic Pool redevelopment budget, she said.

The 50-metre indoor pool closed for repairs on April 11, with the long-term goal of keeping it open for the next two years while a new facility is built nearby.

Repairs were originally estimated to take four weeks, however, this could be extended depending on asbestos removal.

Pool users are able to use the outside 33m six-lane pool. This is heated to the same temperature as the inside pool.