your Pools

In July/August we asked which services matter most, and where changes could be made, to help keep rates affordable. Your feedback has helped shape proposals to reduce service costs and the amount funded through rates.

Please read the supporting info as the proposal includes potential savings and other details that may change your views.

What we are proposing

Council is looking at whether it can continue providing swimming services through fewer facilities.

In South Ruapehu, Council is asking whether swimming services should continue to be provided through both the Ohakune and Raetihi pools, or whether one facility could provide swimming services for the area.

In Taumarunui, Council is asking whether it should continue supporting both the Taumarunui Pool and the Trust Waikato Community Pool, or focus on one facility.

These proposals are not about stopping people from being able to swim. It is about whether Council can keep providing swimming opportunities while reducing costs for ratepayers. If Council decides it can no longer fund a pool, it will then consider other options, including whether community organisations could own or operate the facility in the future

Key points

• Council is considering supporting one pool in Ohakune–Raetihi and one in Taumarunui, to reduce ratepayer costs.
• Council operates three summer pools and helps fund the Trust Waikato Community Pool.
• The Trust pool is the district’s only year-round indoor public pool and only fully disability-accessible pool.
• Ohakune and Raetihi pools are 11 minutes apart; the two Taumarunui pools are 4–5 minutes apart.
• Estimated operating savings over 10 years if funding or operation stopped: Taumarunui $1.2m; Trust pool $450,000; Ohakune $1.2m; Raetihi $1.5m.
• Identified upgrades needed:Taumarunui $460,000; Ohakune $430,000; Raetihi $7.4m, with the Raetihi refit subject to external funding.
• Without Council funding, the Trust pool may return to the High School, potentially reducing community access.
• Community ownership or operation could be considered for pools Council no longer funds.

For full background info click here