Tania Wright: Napier should make pool investment

Napier council has 'agonised' over moving from the current Onekawa Pool site, writes councillor Tania Wright. Photo / File

I had the privilege recently to visit the new QE11 swimming complex in Christchurch to see the facility that the council based its recent LTP decision on to build a new community pool at a greenfields site on Prebensen Drive in Tamatea.

Nothing beats a site visit to clarify the scale and scope of this ambitious project for our city.

The QE11 facility is nothing short of impressive and was built to service the same population as Napier.

Recent reports of it not being big enough do not take into account that Christchurch still has a post earthquake pool deficit and that this facility will be over subscribed until other pools are built.

A few things quickly became apparent to us as we toured the facility:

• The flexibility of the spaces
• There was something for everyone to enjoy regardless of age or ability
• The clean, modern, spacious design with potential to expand should demand increase in the future
• The clever layout and lack of noise
• The clear separation of wet and dry areas

It also clearly showed that the community of Napier has been poorly served by their current facility and we also know this from the constant requests from you, our ratepayers, over many years for more pool space.

The council has agonised over moving from the current site in Onekawa to a new site. After seeing this facility I personally support the move.

A retrofit of the current ageing facility and plant will be a short term fix and the council will be faced with more decisions and spending again in the near future. However, a new facility at a new site will see the city's aquatic needs provided for well into the future with a facility of which we can all be proud. Another big advantage will be that the current facility can remain open while the new facility is built providing continuity of service to the community. And then, the Onekawa site will be transformed into a wonderful community asset - watch this space!

Our facility will not be exactly the same as Christchurch and will accommodate our own community requirements. We also have the opportunity to take on board the learnings from the operation of QE11 to date - what has worked, and what can be improved upon into our own design saving the council time and money. This community facility will also offer a wide range of activities from leisure play for babies though to teenagers and families, learn to swim and health and fitness opportunities for all and community spaces - there will be something for everyone.

The issue of affordability and accessibility for our vulnerable citizens has also been discussed and Christchurch has demonstrated a solution that I believe Napier should adopt. If you have a Gold Card, a Community Services Card or student ID you receive a 25 per cent discount on entry.

There is no doubt that this is an expensive and ambitious project, but after seeing the QE11 complex I believe it is time for the city to make this investment for the future - after all, you have asked us to.

We want to provide a vibrant and sustainable city for everyone with excellent infrastructure and public services now and into the future. I believe that this aspirational project fits well into that vision.

* Tania Wright is a Napier City councillor