Maintenance at Whanganui East Pool delays summer opening date announcement

The pool is expected to be open by December 20. Photo / NZME

The Whanganui East Pool will be open by Christmas but maintenance work means the district council has yet to confirm a date.

In a written statement, Whanganui District Council aquatics services manager Lucy Thompson said her team was looking forward to welcoming the community once final works were complete.

“Contractors are currently repairing pipework and completing essential checks to ensure the pool can open safely,” she said.

“Each season we work within a tight timeframe, and this year the later decision to open the pool has reduced the time available to complete overdue maintenance ahead of the season.”

In 2024, council officers recommended closing the outdoor pool due to costs, but were overruled by elected members.

A citizens’ assembly was then formed to provide input on the future of the pool and outdoor swimming in the district.

Its recommendations, revealed in July this year, were to upgrade the Whanganui East Pool and further develop the Splash Centre, or expand the Splash Centre and close/dispose of the Whanganui East Pool.

In August, elected members voted 10 to two in favour of upgrading Whanganui East and developing a business case for the Splash Centre.

The council has $2 million for the work in its 2025-26 budget, with potential upgrades including heating, lining the pool and improved leisure facilities.

Thompson told councillors in September an upgraded and refurbished pool would be ready for the 2026-27 summer “if we get all our ducks in a row”.

She said this week the council hoped to open the pool by December 20.

It has an annual operating budget of about $300,000.

The council could not confirm whether the facility’s hydroslide would be open at the start of the season, Thompson said.

“Final safety checks are still being completed. We’ll share an update as soon as this is confirmed.”

The council said in a statement that from January 5 next year, the pool would operate from Tuesday to Sunday, but it would be closed on public holidays.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, opening hours would be 11am to 5pm, and from Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm, it said.

In the 2024-25 season, the pool was open from 11am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

“Earlier this year, community consultation highlighted how important Whanganui East Pool is to local recreation,” Thompson said.

“Our operational team is ready to go as soon as the remaining maintenance and safety checks are completed.

“With schools finishing soon and some absolutely sweltering days already, we know people will enjoy having the pool open again soon.”

In 2024, the council increased CCTV, signage and staff following intimidating behaviour, physical assaults on staff and vandalism during the previous season.

The council spokesperson said the measures “appear to have worked well” and there were no further incidents in 2024-25.

Entry to the pool is $4.50 for adults, $4 for students and SuperGold card holders, $3.50 for children and $2 for preschoolers (free with paying adult)

Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily Whanganui District Council.