Turangi pool officially opened

Turangi’s upgraded swimming complex was opened on Sunday afternoon with hundreds turning out to celebrate the occasion and check out the new facility.

The Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre was officially opened by Dr Tumu te Heuheu, Paramount Chief of Ng
ti Tkwharetoa. Also in attendance was Hon. Mark Burton, Hon. Georgina te Heuheu, Councillor’s Kathryn Uvhagen, Barry Hickling and Andrew Welch, former Mayor Joan Williamson, Ian Meredith and Raewyn Judd from Genesis Energy, members of the Turangi/Tongariro Community Board and Tuatea Smallman from Turangitukua.

Chairman of the Turangi/Tongariro Community Board Councillor Don Ormsby, who addressed the large crowd at the opening, said after four years of planning it was fantastic to see the project come to fruition. “The Genesis Energy Turangi Aquatic Centre is going to be a real asset for the people of Turangi. Thank you to everyone involved with the project, including the Board and thank you to the community for your patience and support. It was well worth the wait – look at the result now!”

Also part of the formal proceedings was the unveiling of a carved pou which has been in the Turangi Township for a number of years. Cloaked in a te Heuheu family heirloom the pou was restored to its former glory by Guy Smallman and his family. “Waiora” now stands in the entrance to the aquatic centre acting as a kaitiaki or guardian for all who enter the new facility.

Following the formalities, the pools were opened to allow families to try out the various facilities including the swimming lanes, aqua jogging, toddler and learners’ pool, inflatable obstacle course and bombing area.

Turangi Service Centre Manager John Campbell said families had a great time at the opening. “The noise and laughter coming out of the facility was a very good indication that everyone was enjoying themselves. Special thanks to Chris Te Whare for his huge contribution to the day with the organisation of the whanau challenge and kids activities.”

Mr Campbell said he even received a couple of enquiries from visitors as to how the Turangi community achieved this fantastic facility and wanted details to take back to their Community Boards. “A huge amount of work has gone into this facility and we were really pleased to hear the pools were a hit with those who were there,” he said.

The pool has been temporarily closed to complete final commissioning tasks, staff training and the installation of solar heating panels and the pool will be ready for public use in early October.

The facilities opening hours (that are being trialled) will be:
6.30am – 9am: lane swimming and aqua jogging
12noon – 8pm: learners pool, deep water pool and some lane swimming.

Fees have been set at $2 for Children and $3 for Adults and concession cards will also be introduced.