Reprieve for Motueka's saltwater baths

Motueka's saltwater baths are to remain, Tasman District Council agreed yesterday.

Its community services committee decided in September to close the 65-year-old tidal saltwater baths, concerned at the potential for high bacteria counts as the baths refill only on very high tides.

The council received a petition containing 1100 signatures from people opposed to the closure and will now look at ways to improve the water quality. The baths are expected to reopen in the next few weeks.