What would they know?!

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

When you have a panel of five making decisions that affect the community and one of the panel lives in Wellington and three others have a combined total of approx. eight years in our region, what would they know about the history of our district and more so Comet Swimming Club?

Did they know:

Comet have been serving the district since 1958.

Comet founder Beth Meade QSM was the major driver resulting in the current pool.

Comet provided water covers, lane ropes, sound system, pace clock etc to the Olympic Pool.

Comet members manned the Olympic Pool on weekends to keep the facility open.

Comet were instrumental in having the existing pool covered and contributed $168,000 towards the venture.

Comet converted a designated area at the Olympic Pool for clubrooms and general public use.

Comet have served the rural communities for decades providing free coaching and water safety.

Comet have taught tens of thousands “Learn to Swim”.

Comet did winter swim camps at Morere and winter swimming in the former Sandown Hotel pool.

Comet donated a heat pump to Te Wharau school to enhance their swim programme.

Comet have heated and recovered the Elgin Pool.

Comet recently donated gas water heaters and on-water covers to the Boys’ High pool.

Comet voluntarily assist with school programmes.

Comet are a Swimming NZ-approved quality swim school.

Comet started baby classes in 1997 by heating the Elgin pool.

Comet are actively working on heating Coast pools, taking Plunket classes, special needs, kohanga reo, wahine week lessons etc.

Comet swimming opens up pathways for swimmers to pursue other sports such as surf lifesaving, surfing, kayaking etc

But what would they know about the history?!

In fact, having an outside person on the panel is not acceptable.

It seems the councillors are under a Cone of Silence.

Greg Meade

Life Member Comet Swimming Club and HBPB Swimming