“Comet Swim Club has been providing swimming lessons to children in Uawa, and up the Coast, for over two decades now,” said one .
“It is disappointing that as a local provider with a good reputation they did not get the contract. In trying times like now, we should be supporting ‘tried and true’ local providers. Encourage your whānau to sign too.”
This in a post from Kaiti School: “We were very disappointed to hear that Comet were not awarded the learn-to-swim contract at the new Kiwa Pools by Gisborne District Council. Comet Swimming Club has been 100 percent behind Kaiti School swimming programmes for over a decade. They have taught hundreds of our Kaiti kids how to swim. Kaiti School stands with Comet.”
The council followed a “fair and robust” tender process, “the outcome of which was a tough decision”, a GDC spokeswoman said in announcing the decision last week.
The council had been looking for a provider that could provide additional benefits and Belgravia ticked those boxes, she said.
The prices between the two were very close, but the council chose Belgravia because of additional benefits it could offer the community. These included free swimming lessons for 80 children every year from a lower socio-economic group, and te reo swimming lessons.
Another comment on the signature page reads: “Absolutely disappointed in this decision. I will continue to support our local swimming clubs and will always have our tamariki with them. But I fear it will be tough to compete against this international company. Don’t let this flash company and this flash complex sway us whānau — keep your tamariki at Elgin Pools or Enterprise. Kia kaha Comet. We got you — 18 years I have always had a child swimming with you and when I have mokopuna they will be coming your way too!”
Another said: “We elect the Mayor and the council to act responsibly and to make the right decisions on our behalf. They have not done this — supporting local should have been and should always be at the forefront of their decision-making, regardless. If there are no local options then national businesses surely come next for consideration. The decision made here absolutely needs to be reviewed and a full explanation as to why and how this has happened.”
Manu Caddie responded to similar comments on a Facebook page, writing: “Just to be clear — the swimming lesson decision was delegated to staff based on the Procurement Policy set by councillors. Councillors weren’t involved in the decision other than deciding to go to market rather than GDC running the service itself. Unpopular as it may be, the benefits to the community were no doubt weighed up by the decison panel of staff, plus an independent expert.”
Other online comments include:
“Both my children were taught by Comet from a very young age. The swim teachers were wonderful to our kids over the years — we will never forget their time with Comet. With the way the world is right now the importance of supporting local is more crucial then ever.”
“Comet Swimming Club has a deep understanding of the specific needs and preferences of this community in which they have served for a very long time. Comet has a history of providing quality training, coaching, and competitive opportunities. By keeping the club in place, we ensure that this expertise and experience remain accessible to the Tūranga nui a Kiwa residents.”
“Supporting our local Comet swimming club ensures that our community members, especially children and families, have access to recreational facilities and activities. This promotes a sense of community, social cohesion, and wellbeing.”
■ All the signatures gathered will be presented to the council. The petition can be accessed by typing in “Comet Petition” in the search bar on Facebook, or go to https://www.petitions.nz/support_our_local_swimming_club_comets
