Tears over swim class contract

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A disappointed Comet Swimming Club remains adamant it should have been awarded the contract for learn-to-swim lessons at Kiwa Pools ahead of a billion-dollar Australian company.

Club general manager Rochelle Somerton, speaking at Wednesday’s Gisborne District Council meeting, was in tears after saying she disputed that Belgravia Leisure could deliver more for the community.

“We have already delivered much more than they ever will and we will continue to do so.

“Buy local, support local is always what we hear in Gisborne — especially from the council.”

But most or part of Belgravia Leisure profits would go abroad, she said.

“Belgravia Leisure is not invested in Tairāwhiti.”

The Australian company has the contract for three years with two rights of renewal.

Mrs Somerton said a petition, started by non-Comet member Tessa Wilson, had received 4577 signatures.

Some of the attached comments were —

• “Learning to swim is not a saleable commodity for an overseas corporate to make a profit off our children.”

• “We elect a mayor and council to make the right decisions on our behalf. They have not done this. There needs to be a full review of how this happened.”

• “Enough of corporate greed and exploiting the local community.”

Mrs Somerton said Comet had received “absolutely amazing” community support since failing to get the contract.

“It has lifted us up during this really disappointing time.”

Support from the East Coast to Matawai-Muriwai and Wairoa had been “humbling and beautiful”.

Support had also come from former Gisborne residents.

Mrs Somerton said the council’s procurement policy said the community view should be considered.

“This was not done.”

Mayor Rehette Stoltz thanked Mrs Somerton for her presentation and said there were still (Comet) Requests for Information regarding the matter being followed up by council staff.