New Pahiatua Swimming Pool

The existing outdoor pool is nearing the end of its life, incurs high maintenance costs, and operates only during a limited summer season. A new indoor facility will provide a reliable, year-round space for residents of all ages. Strong community support was shown during the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034 consultation.

The project is a partnership between Tararua District Council and the Bush Aquatic Trust. The Council and the Trust are working closely with a preferred contractor to finalise design details and construction pricing.

When the project was first discussed in 2024, the expected cost of building the aquatic facility had an initial concept price tag of $6.1 million. Council has committed $2.5 million to the construction of the project, and BAT have fundraised $2.7 million, totalling $5.2 million. Following the completion of detailed design work and the procurement process, the estimated cost of delivering the project has increased to approximately $7.2 million.

The increase is primarily due to inflation, higher construction-related costs, including fuel, concrete, materials, labour, and other market-driven pricing changes.

Council and the Bush Aquatic Trust are working together to fully understand the updated costs and assess the options available to address the funding gap.

The Bush Aquatic Trust has raised $2.7 million towards the construction of the aquatic facility. In addition, Council has committed $2.5 million to the project, subject to the Trust securing the remaining funding required to complete construction.

Council acknowledges this as a significant fundraising achievement and recognises the considerable time, effort, and community support that has contributed to bringing the project to this stage.

Council previously committed $600,000 to the design and tender phase of the project. Following consultation through the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan, Council also approved a further $2.5million commitment towards the construction of the facility, provided BAT could fundraise the remaining funds.

Council has a responsibility to consider affordability for all ratepayers across the Tararua District. Our community has repeatedly told us that keeping rates increases as low as reasonably possible is a priority.

The financial landscape for local government has also shifted significantly in recent years. Councils are facing increasing costs, ongoing infrastructure demands, uncertainty around future funding arrangements, and potential changes to local government structures, including discussions around amalgamation and rates capping.

Because of this, Council cannot simply assume that ratepayers should meet the additional $2 million funding gap. Any proposal for further Council investment would need to be carefully considered alongside affordability, Council’s other priorities, its long-term financial position, and the potential impact on rates across the district.

This project has been project managed by Tararua District Council since 2024, with the Bush Aquatic Trust responsible for fundraising and Council supporting the project through its agreed financial commitments.

Projects of this scale take time to progress through key stages, including securing funding, detailed design, project development, tendering, and planning for construction. These steps are necessary to ensure the project is properly developed and that costs are understood before major commitments are made. Council also has a responsibility to ensure ratepayer money is spent wisely, which requires thorough due diligence before significant public funding is committed.

During this time, the economic and construction environment has changed significantly. Increases in construction costs, materials, labour, and other market factors have contributed to the revised estimated cost of the project.

If the funding gap cannot be addressed, the viability and future of the project will need to be reconsidered. Council acknowledges that this uncertainty will be deeply disappointing for the Trust and the wider community that has supported the project.

Council and BAT will need to provide clear information about funding already spent, funding committed but not yet spent, and any conditions attached to grants or other funding. If the project does not go ahead, BAT has determined all funding will be returned to the source.

If the indoor aquatic facility project does not proceed, Council would need to work with the community to consider alternative options for providing swimming facilities in Pahiatua.

The existing outdoor pool is ageing and has had ongoing issues. Council’s current assessment is that significant further investment in the existing pool, beyond essential maintenance, would not represent good value for money given its condition and the scale of work likely to be required.

Any future option – whether that involves upgrading the existing pool, building a new outdoor pool, or another solution – will need to be carefully assessed through future Council planning processes. This would include considering community need, costs, long-term sustainability, and affordability for ratepayers.

Council and the Bush Aquatic Trust appreciate the community’s willingness to support the project in practical ways. Opportunities to reduce construction costs, including the potential for public contributions of labour, materials, or services, have been considered as part of the project planning process.

However, for a project of this scale and complexity, all construction work and materials must meet strict quality, safety, compliance, and contractual requirements. Council must also ensure that appropriate qualifications, warranties, liability coverage, and assurance processes are in place.

For these reasons, relying on in-kind public contributions would add significant complexity to the project and could not guarantee the level of quality and assurance required for the construction of a public aquatic facility.

The supplier has guaranteed the current contract pricing for 90 days from the date it was confirmed. We are currently around five weeks into that 90-day period.

While there may be opportunities to seek extensions from existing funders and suppliers, there is no guarantee that the current pricing can be maintained beyond this timeframe. Any significant delay could result in further construction cost increases, increasing the overall funding required for the project.