Kiwa complex offers opportunity

LET'S PLAY POLO: Moves have begun to re-establish water polo as a sport in Tairāwhiti, to make use of the deeper water at the Kiwa Pools complex to be completed next year. The organisers say the sport offers much to those in Years 4 to 6 and beyond. The team above beat Hawke's Bay in 1963 in water polo. From left: Barry Green, Mark Pickett, Gary Thompson, Barry McLean, Tony Pickett, Ian Kearny, Jimmy McLean and Keith Twigley. Pictures supplied

Water polo gets started again in Tairāwhiti this weekend as progress continues towards completion of the new Kiwa Pools complex on the city beachfront next year.

The sport made its presence felt in this district in 1963 when a Gisborne men's team beat a Hastings team 7-2.

Close to 60 years on, water polo enthusiasts are preparing to grasp the opportunity that the new Kiwa Pools will provide to initiate water polo over all Tairāwhiti from Year 4 up.

Tairawhiti Water Polo committee member Matthew Pickering is hoping that youth, families and communities can be inspired to benefit from what the sport offers — fun, laughter, family commitment, friendships, fitness, water confidence, ball skills, teamwork and agility.

“It's a sport that encourages strategic thinking, strength and resilience,” Pickering said.

‘”To get it started again in this district we intend to run a ‘Have A Go' weekend for Years 4 to 6 this Saturday and Sunday.”

The session on Saturday will run from 12 midday to 3pm at the Gisborne Boys' High School pool, and the one on Sunday will run from 10am to 12 midday at the Tolaga Bay Area School pool.

“All are welcome to have a go in a safe, fun environment,” Pickering said.

“In the new year, opportunities will be offered further up the East Coast and in Wairoa.

“Our vision is that all school children in Tairāwhiti should have the opportunity and resources to be involved.

“This will require use of existing school pools and the upskilling of parents and teachers so they can coach their tamāriki and whānau.”

He said the goal over the next 24 months was to have fun school water polo for years 4 to 6, and fun school competitions for years 7 and 8, 9 and 10, and 11 to 13.

“These will dovetail into establishing age-group representative club teams for those interested in the competitive pathway.

“Progress to date has been made possible through the grateful support received from local construction firm Iconic Group, who have provided the playing caps, and Delfina, a sportswear and equipment supplier who have provided the water polo balls.”