Hastings Rangatahi Rise: $1 pool and sports access for local youth

Competitors at the 2025 Heretaunga Hastings Manu Champs at Havelock North Village Pool. Photo / Paul Taylor

A new, free membership programme is encouraging young people in Hastings to get off the couch and get active with low cost activities.

For just $1, Rangatahi Rise members can get into Hastings District Council-public pools as well as the Hastings Sports Centre.

Nationally, youth participation in sport and physical activity has been declining.

Sport NZ’s Active NZ surveys between 2017 and 2023 show decreases in participation, overall engagement and weekly activity hours among young people – especially from the ages of 12 to 24.

Hastings District Council started Rangatahi Rise as a practical local response to those trends.

Funded through the council’s youth services, Rangatahi Rise is available to all young people living in Hastings aged 12 to 24.

When young people join the programme, they’ll receive free membership and $1 entry to Clive War Memorial Pool, Flaxmere Pool and Havelock North Village Pool.

Members will also have $1 access to casual court sessions and sports equipment at Hastings Sports Centre for a wide range of activities, including basketball, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and boxing gear.

Councillor and community and civic futures subcommittee chair Hana Montaperto-Hendry said membership is about making it easier for young people to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.

“We know how important being active is for young people’s health, confidence, and connection to their community.

“Rangatahi Rise is about removing barriers and opening doors, so our young people can rock on up, feel supported and take full advantage of the great facilities we have here in Hastings.”

The initiative builds on the success of other council-supported access programmes, like the Senior Super Gold Swim Pass which saw admissions increase from 11,802 in 2024 to 15,329 in 2025, demonstrating that removing cost barriers can significantly increase participation.

Membership and facility use would be measured over an initial six-month period before a decision on continuing the programme is made.

Young people can sign up for the Rangatahi Rise membership at Aquatics Hastings facilities or the Hastings Sports Centre, or online at aquaticshastings.co.nz.

Under-16s will require parental permission.