Alexandra Aquatics Sells to Vincent Community Board

The Vincent Community Board and Alexandra Aquatics announced today that the
Community Board had agreed to purchase the swimming school business operated by
Alexandra Aquatics.

The Central Swim School (operated by council) will expand its current operations to
provide additional capacity for the anticipated increase in swimming students.
Alexandra Aquatics will continue its current operations through the second term, with a
scheduled transfer to Central Otago Swim School for the start of term three.

Central Otago District Council Chief Executive Phil Melhopt said:
“When the opportunity to purchase the business interest of Alexandra Aquatics was
presented, it was weighed up on the basis of financial return, pool utilisation and pool
user expectations. The fact that council had changed the playing field for Alexandra
Aquatics by growing its own swim school was also factored into the equation. The
Vincent Community Board resolved unanimously to negotiate and purchase the
business interests of Alexandra Aquatics. The purchase will be funded from future
Central Swim School revenues.”

“While clearly this will make Council the dominant supplier of swim education at
Molyneux and Cromwell Pools, this does not preclude other operators or swim teachers
from hiring lanes to provide swimming lessons.”

“Personally I’d like to thank Jo and Colin Blackie for the contribution they have made to
swimming education in the District and for their spirit of cooperation and understanding
in what has recently has been a challenging environment”.

Alexandra Aquatics Director Colin Blackie said:
“The decision for Jo and I to sell the swim school was not an easy one given the loyal
staff we have and the relationships those staff and Jo have built with the children and
parents.

We purchased the reputable swim school business from Shane and Megan Allan and Jo
and the teachers worked to continue and grow their good work with a strong focus on
our client's needs and building relationships.

Regrettably however, due to a number of factors, the challenges faced by Alexandra
Aquatics became untenable.

Throughout this process the Vincent Community Board and the CODC Chief Executive
Officer, Mr Melhopt have been very supportive.

Community Board Clair Higginson thanked Jo and Colin for their professionalism
throughout the negotiation process. “At this time I stress the Board’s commitment
towards achieving fairness, equity and flexibility for both pool users and ratepayers,” she
said.