Gisborne District Council wants public input into redeveloping the outdoor area of the old Olympic Pools and joining it with the Kiwa Pools aquatic centre. It has created an online survey that people have until March 15 to complete and submit.
Gisborne District Council wants public input into redeveloping the outdoor area of the old Olympic Pools and joining it with the Kiwa Pools aquatic centre. It has created an online survey that people have until March 15 to complete and submit.
Call for pools upgrade ideas
“Dream big whānau.”
That is the message from Gisborne District Council as it goes to the public for ideas on stage two of its Kiwi Pools upgrade, the $6.5 million redevelopment of the former Olympic Pools outdoor complex.
According to information in the Major Projectssection of the council website, stage two involves working with Ngāi Tāwhiri and Rongowhakaata “to develop a concept plan with a play-based focus that is uniquely Tairāwhiti, joining the old complex with the new Kiwa Pools”.
It has total funding of $6.5m, of which $3.5m is from external sources and $3m from the council.
On its Facebook page, the council is inviting the public to submit their ideas for “transforming” the outdoor complex.
“Before a single decision gets made, we want to know what you think should be out there.
“Splash pads? Manu dive boards? A climbing wall? Native plantings and storytelling spaces that celebrate who we are? Covered picnic areas so the whānau can actually hang out in comfort?”
As a result, the council has created the Kiwa Pools outdoor complex online survey comprising eight questions.
“Whether you’re a regular visitor or haven’t been in ages, we want to hear from you, especially if you’re aged 12-22. Your feedback will help shape the future of Kiwa Pools.”
Those who complete the survey go in the draw to win a swim pack worth more than $100. The survey closes on Sunday, March 15, and can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HQ9RQ8
The Facebook post received plenty of comments and suggestions for what could feature at the new outdoor complex, including a sauna, hot pool with a movie screen, something similar to Splash Planet, an open slide that goes into a large pool, a climbing wall and “a lazy river”.
Stage one of the Kiwa Pools project was building the $46m aquatic centre located next to the old Olympic Pools Complex. It opened in September 2023.
The old covered 50m pool and administration building were demolished and the area was grassed over.
Sunday services until end of June
Matawhero Church's rich history dates to the mid-1860s. Photo / James Pocock
Weekly Sunday services and events are still being held at St Andrew’s and Matawhero churches until their closure on June 30.
Past ministers of the parish have agreed to visit and take services planned for Sunday each week until then.
“So far, the reverends Shirley Barker-Kirby and Ken Wall have led our worship, with Ken returning in April. The Very Rev Pamela Tankersley will conduct two services in March, at Matawhero on the 15th and St Andrew’s on the 22nd, and her husband, renowned musician Roy Tankersley, who is accompanying her, will be playing the organ. Reverend Doctor John Franklin will take the service at St Andrew’s on Pentecost Sunday, May 24,” a statement from Gisborne Presbyterian Parish said.
The parish is considering aspects such as the future of the buildings and welcomes community input.
Celebrations are planned for the King’s Birthday long weekend from May 29 to June 1.
Plans include a welcome and get-together on Friday evening at St Andrew’s Church hall, where a display of memorabilia will be on show, Saturday morning tea at Matawhero Church followed by a celebration luncheon at Bushmere Arms, and an evening theatrical event in St Andrew’s.
Finally, the 16th edition of the Piano Extravaganza will take place on June 1.
“The parish is acutely aware that their congregation and two churches have been an important part of Gisborne’s community and wish to share the pain of their closure as well as celebrate their life with the local and wider community, including folk who may have attended in previous years but have left the district.
“We would like word of this weekend of celebration and memories to be spread as far as possible and encourage members of the parish, as well as the wider community, to spread the news.”
Workshop for Brain Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s Gisborne Tairāwhiti is presenting a two-hour workshop on brain health in March as part of Brain Awareness Month.
Dr Etu Ma’u, University of Auckland senior lecturer in psychological medicine and consultant old age psychiatrist with Te Whatu Ora Waikato, has been invited to share his insights on how poverty impacts dementia risk.
“The workshop will look at the issues Dr Ma’u raises and focus on lifestyle choices to keep the brain healthier longer,” a statement from Alzheimer’s Gisborne Tairāwhiti said.
“The seminar will also unpack the 14 modifiable risk factors that have a proven 49% [chance] of preventing, reducing or delaying the onset of dementia, but also promote a healthy heart and the quality of overall living.”
Cost is $20 and includes morning tea. Registrations are essential. Phone (06) 867 0752 or email manager.gisborne@alzheimers.org.nz.
What: Healthy Communities, Healthier Brains.
Where: Sherwood Club lounge, Alzheimer’s Gisborne Tairāwhiti.
