Dannevirke: Extra cash keeps pool afloat

John Robertson, chairman of Tararua Aquatic Community Trust, with Cr Shirley Hull and Peter Wimsett, of the Tararua District Council.

Chairman John Robertson says the Tararua Aquatic Community Trust is grateful for additional 2015/16 council funding.

"We have had to face huge amounts of extra cost for power and increased staffing for public safety," Mr Robertson said. "We have been drawing on limited reserves for almost 18 months to achieve this.

"We would now like to thank Tararua District Council for providing extra funding to cover the dramatic increase in our operational expenses."

The staff increases had been to meet the voluntary Pool Safety Guidelines from NZ Recreation and comply with extra demands from the Health and Safety reforms.

"We appreciate senior council management who have supported us by working closely with us through the new financial compliance issues," Mr Robertson said.

Cr Shirley Hull said: "The trust is comprised of volunteers who do an amazing job on behalf of their community. Fundraising does not usually cover operational costs and is a difficult task for capital projects.

"It has been great to hear what the Tararua Aquatic Community Trust has been doing and the proposed building upgrade work."

Pool sponsor AMP Viking has been upgrading Wai Splash signs in Dannevirke to attract drive-by traffic and refresh the pool's look.

The council's manager of strategy and district development, Peter Wimsett, said that after consulting the trust during the Long Term Plan, the council agreed extra funding was necessary.

The pool needed support because entry fees did not cover its operation: "There is public good for people's health, fitness and safety that people learn to swim."