Kawakawa pool's future secured after token $1 deal

Council chief executive Shaun Clarke (left), Sport Northland chairman Chris Biddles, College Board of Trustees chairwoman Delwyn Bristow and Sport Northland chief executive Brent Eastwood.

The future of the Far North's only indoor public pool has been secured after Sport Northland agreed to buy it from Bay of Islands College.

Under a deal signed last week, the college will sell the heated pool and adjoining recreation centre for a token $1.

The Ministry of Education will lease the land under the buildings to Sport Northland for $1 a year, while Sport Northland will govern the facilities under a service agreement with the Far North District Council, which will pay an annual operational grant.

The current pool operator, Kaitaia-based CBEC, will continue its day-to-day running of the complex. The college will also hire the facilities back from Sport Northland for use during school time. The deal ends years of uncertainty over the pool's future.

The complex is on ministry land but was owned by the college, which received no funding for it so couldn't afford the upkeep.

A report commissioned by the council some years ago recommended closing the pool down, which spurred the Kawakawa community into action. Volunteers led by Kawakawa business owner Richard Duley upgraded the pool and gave it a new name, Te Papawai Bay of Islands Community Pool.

Far North Mayor John Carter said the complex wasn't council-owned but the council was determined to find a way to keep it open.

"It was never going to be easy to find a solution that worked for all of the groups with an interest in the pool and gym facilities. By working together, we've come up with a deal that means Far North communities will continue to enjoy a well-used and unique facility."

Sport Northland chief executive Brent Eastwood said the new ownership and governance model fitted well with the organisation's goal of encouraging Northlanders to get and stay active.

"A significant factor in our board's decision was the commitment shown over many years by the Kawakawa community to keep the pool and recreation centre open for everyone," he said.

The 25m pool was built by the college as an outdoor facility in the 1970s. In 1990 the community secured funding to cover and heat the pool and add fitness rooms, offices and changing rooms. A squash court was added in the mid-1990s.

Earlier this year one of two water heaters broke down, sending water temperatures plummeting and threatening the pool's future. The council eventually bought a new water heater and gifted it to the pool, with the Kawakawa Business and Community Association and the Mayoral Fund each contributing $5000 towards the $60,000 cost.