Manukau's swimming pools stay free for all

By Mathew Dearnaley

AUCKLAND - The Manukau City Council voted narrowly last night to protect "the Manukau way" by keeping admission to its six public swimming pools free of charge.

It also approved a $25,000 feasibility study for an indoor pool for Mangere and resisted the temptation to sell some or all of its 40 million airport shares to repay debt and soften future rates rises.

Late last night the council struck an 8.1 per cent increase, rather than the 7.4 per cent it could have edged down to by surrendering its unique free swimming policy.

Debate leading to a 10-9 vote against pool charges became emotional with the mayor, Sir Barry Curtis, defending free admissions as a cornerstone policy of his city.

Otara councillor Len Brown said it was the most important policy for the city's children, a valuable gift from their parents through rates.

Manukau, the only local authority still offering free swimming, had stood above the "hoi polloi" of other councils to give its community a vision of something special.

"I suggest the Manukau way is on the line tonight. If children's recreation isn't a core service, what is?"

Papatoetoe councillor Noel Burnside sided with those from wealthier eastern suburbs to argue in favour of a society where he said people should pay for services to appreciate them.

He said the council should resist threats of more vandalism if free access to swimming pools was removed.

Clevedon ward member Jan Sinclair said pools were no more essential than bowling alleys and golf courses, "so why fund some things and not others?"

Howick councillor Ken Yee said that if families could afford to spend money on "junk food" takeaways they could always find $1.50 for their children to swim.

But Mangere councillor James Papali'i said that, as a long-time social worker, he had experienced a life of poverty Mr Yee obviously knew nothing about.

"You are saying this part of society can't participate, that my children can't go and swim with your children ... yet I'd like my children to be socialising with your children."

Free swimming pools were all the more crucial because industrial development encouraged by the council had barred tangata whenua from access to natural waterways.

Deputy Mayor Anne Candy said swimming pools were rare venues for Manukau children to mingle safely and "if we can't help our youth socialise with each other the face of the future of this city is a very sorry face."