Revitalised Rotorua Aquatic Centre officially opens its doors
From midday today, the Rotorua Aquatic Centre’s revitalised leisure pool and indoor facilities are officially open to the public.
A karakia was held this morning to mark the completion of Stage Two of the project with Mayor Tania Tapsell officially re-opening the centre.
The ceremony was led by members of local hapū Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara. Also in attendance were contractors Naylor Love, designers from CREATE, project manager Veros, representatives from Rotorua Lakes Council, pool managers Community Leisure Management (CLM) and supporting stakeholders.
At this stage, the leisure pool, the refurbished front of house area, change facilities (including fully accessible changing room with hoist), Splash Café and the gym are open. The main pool is expected to open early next month (July).
Alongside the building refurbishment, the complete pool filtration and treatment systems have been significantly upgraded to optimise the pool water quality.
Mayor Tapsell says the opening of the revitalised Aquatic Centre is a huge milestone for the community.
“This is a much-loved and well-used space in Rotorua that was in desperate need of a refurbishment.
“We are very proud to re-open a revitalised facility today alongside our partners and contractors. It’s been a joint effort to complete this and we are grateful for the support from others to deliver a better and refreshed facility for the many people who enjoy it.
“This is an investment in our future and will be enjoyed by all ages for years to come.”
Te Runanga o Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara chair, Mary Corbett, says working with council on the Aquatic Centre revitalisation has been a positive experience.
“The Aquatic Centre project has been an example of genuine partnership with Māori through cultural inclusion while supporting community wellbeing.
“Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara have had the opportunity in the design process to develop the cultural landscape to express their values and pūrākau | storytelling.”
Lead artist for Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara, Hakopa Pore, facilitated the cultural designs throughout the centre.
Hakopa Pore says the designs took inspiration from taiao | environmental elements in the rohe |district.
“The reception desk features a spiral design, which draws its inspiration from the whenua and the natural thermal mud pools around Kuirau. The pattern rises, falls and twists mimicking the movements of the bubbling mud as it emerges from the depths.
“The window frosting designs pay homage to the pounamu ornament which was hung near the hot pool Tū-te-Mahurangi, capturing the timeless and spiritual essence which gives the Tārewa Pounamu (Tarewa Road) area its name.”
Pore said the repetitive nature of the pattern symbolises the community coming together in kotahitanga under one roof and "hanging up" any work, worries or burdens to be renewed and rejuvenated by the restorative powers of the water.
A competition was held by Rotorua Lakes Council and CLM for local primary schools to win their classroom the first swim in the leisure pool. Classes were invited to submit a short video or written explanation about how they help make Rotorua a great place for all. St Michael’s Catholic School students were the winners on the day and the first in the pool. Tamariki from Horohoro kura, who are affiliated with Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara, also joined in the celebrations.
Unison sponsored prize packs for tamariki, with each student receiving a pair of goggles and a swim bag.
The total amount of man-hours for stage two of the project was 107,336 hours since work began in November 2022.
The outdoor 50m heated pool remains open for the public. Further details around the opening of the main pool will be shared as soon as possible.
Background information
Council began work on the Rotorua Aquatic Centre redevelopment in 2019.
Stage One saw the outdoor 50m heated pool and changing facilities redeveloped.
The current stage (Stage Two) focused on revitalisation of the indoor pool hall, reception and indoor changing room area.
The proposed next stage (Stage Three) will focus on further improvements and additional facilities. The extent of this is yet to be finalised and will also be dependent on attracting external funding for additional features. Together, Council and Central Government have contributed $23.5m to Stage Two.
Learn more about the Rotorua Aquatic Centre Revitalisation on our Vision to Action page.
