Ahuriri Bondi Beach rock pool proposal divides Napier community

A conceptual design of what the Ahuriri Rock Pools Development could look like. Image / Supplied

A proposal to turn Napier's Ahuriri into a Bondi Beach lookalike, with the development of a six-lane rock pool swimming area, has been met with mixed reactions by locals. Hawke's Bay Today reporter Gianina Schwanecke went down to gauge the changing tides.

Paul and Aki Trom de Haas recently returned to Hawke's Bay from Japan and are regulars at Ahuriri. Photo / Gianina Schwanecke

Paul and Aki Trom de Haas recently returned to Napier from Japan and regularly spend time at the beach.

Both were supportive of the swimming pool plan but asked if there were more pressing priorities.

"We try to bring our two boys most weekends. They like to go around the rocks and collect crabs," he said.

"It would be great but there are other priorities with Covid-19."

Rick and Allison Gould, of Napier, would rather see things left the way they are in a "more natural state". Photo / Gianina Schwanecke

Allison and Rick Gould, of Napier, would rather see things left the way they are, in a "more natural state".

"You look at Marine Pde and there's plenty of things to do there," she said.

Trish Orme, from Greenmeadows, said she thought it was a good idea.

"It would be good to use the beach more and it would attract more people to the lovely scenery.

"The view is really awesome."

Nicolas Lopez, originally from Colombia, and Alysia Liccioni, of France, supported the pool but were sceptical about the cost. Photo / Gianina Schwanecke

Nicolas Lopez, originally from Colombia, and Alysia Liccioni, of France, were supportive of the pool but a bit sceptical about the cost.

"It's a lot of money for such a big project," Liccioni said.

Lynda and Jahvarn Heremia, who's now living in Australia, like the idea of a rock pool development and safer swimming spot. Photo / Gianina Schwanecke

Jahvarn Heremia grew up in Hawke's Bay but now lives in Perth, Australia and knows just how popular Sydney's Bondi Beach can get.

"I think it would be a good idea and looks really cool.

"I'd come to Ahuriri more to swim."

Lynda Jackson often brings her3-year-old grandson George to the playground at Ahuriri, which could be upgraded as part of the rock pool development. Photo / Gianina Schwanecke

Lynda Jackson often brings her 3-year-old grandson George to the playground at Ahuriri and would support a further upgrade as part of the rock pool development project.

"It's such a beautiful spot."

The proposal

Graham Duncan, of the Ahuriri Rock Pools Development Trust, submitted his proposal for the rock pool development to the Napier City Council as part of its Long Term Plan consultation process.

It includes a request for $5 million in funding to develop a six-lane, 50-metre pool in front of Spriggs Park in Ahuriri, as well as a 25m senior citizen's pool and shallow children's pool.

Golden sand from Nelson would also be brought in along the beach, and included in the proposal are a park upgrade, art deco fountain, changing rooms, café, restaurant and an information centre in the shape of cockles.

The total estimated cost of the project sits between $10m to 15m, with the plan to divide funding evenly between the council, the Government's Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan, and local business and community members.