A self-operating Pool Pod allowing dignified and totally independent access into the main 51.5 metre pool was one of the features unveiled at Hawke’s Bay’s Regional Aquatic Centre launch this week.
Nathan Manu, Aquatic and Facility Manager of the new Centre told BayBuzz the Pool Pod chair is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and is based on the design developed for the London Paralympics.
Nathan has a background in physiotherapy and says he hopes the Aquatic Centre’s accessibility with high-tech changing rooms and a gentle gradient ramp into the smaller 25 metre pool means it will be used by a wide range of the Hawke’s Bay community.
The Aquatic Centre’s official opening on Thursday 11 August drew a large crowd including many involved with its inception since 2016, notably Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre founding trustees Bruce Mactaggart and Sir Graham Avery.
Other guests included the region’s mayors, key councillors, the Rt Hon Stuart Nash, MP for Tuki Tuki Anna Lorck and most significantly the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern.
The $32 million pool complex was funded through the COVID Infrastructure Recovery Fund and was ‘shovel ready’ when the Government was ready to give the funding, the Prime Minister told the crowd.
“Now it is a place of legacy where happy memories will be created – except for the parents who have to drive kids to training at 5am,” she joked.
Jacinda Ardern said she looked forward to seeing, in ten year’s time, “what this region generates as a result of this world-class facility”.
The Aquatic Centre, featuring a 51.5 metre in length pool with a 1.5m moveable bulk-head, a smaller 25 metre pool and two hydrotherapy pools, is capable of hosting national and international events; the first major event it hosts will be the Masters Water Polo Nationals in October.
The Centre officially opens to the public on 1 September and will cost $9.00 for an adult swim, with $6.00 concession for Seniors, Students and Community Service Card holders.