Dannevirke: Aquatic trust gains funding

Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis

As the Tararua District Council considered a 26 per cent increase in funding for Dannevirke's AMP Wai Splash pool last week, Mayor Roly Ellis also made a point of thanking the volunteers in the district, without whom community pools couldn't exist.

The council has made a commitment to maintain the operation of community swimming pools in Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua and Eketahuna.

A request for a $50,000 increase in funding from the Tararua Aquatic Trust for Dannevirke's indoor pool has also been agreed to by councillors, with the annual grant rising from $190,000 to $240,000 to cover increased costs for power, insurance, plant maintenance and wages. But agreement only came after some discussion around the council table.

Councillor Bill Keltie asked how much money the trust received from outside agencies, with Blair King, the council's chief executive, saying most grants were available for capital costs, not operating costs.

However, Councillor Shirley Hull pointed out most other organisations fundraise, giving Pukaha Mt Bruce as an example.

"There are other ways of fundraising rather than sitting on your bottom and applying to the Eastern and Central Community Trust," she said. "Some groups, such as Pukaha do it [fundraise] year in, year out, but I don't see any evidence of substantial fundraising by the Tararua Aquatic Trust."

Councillor David Roberts suggested using the economic development facilities the council has to help the trust fundraise.