Dannevirke: Trust team pool resources for complex success

Back, Kelly Webber, left, the retiring contract manager at AMP Wai Splash and Brian Beale, chairman of the Tararua Aquatic Community Trust (TACT). Front, Kendyl Paget, left, new TACT aquatics manager and Peter Wimsett TACT treasurer.

Built on a shoestring budget, 20 years on Dannevirke's AMP Wai Splash complex requires a large capital and maintenance injection.

"We've received a $10,000 grant from the Eastern and Central Community Trust for LED lighting, which could cost up to $30,000," Peter Wimsett, Tararua District Council's manager of strategy and district development, said.

Changes in the management of Dannevirke's AMP Wai Splash will allow the Tararua Aquatic Community Trust to make changes. Photo / Christine McKay

"We may need $80,000 from the depreciation reserve for other work, but it won't be stripped out as there is $240,000 in there," he said.

Mr Wimsett said money will be spent on a refit of the men's and women's changing rooms and the toilets, with new, stronger panelling installed between the toilets and showers, along with general maintenance.

"We're also working on getting warm air into those areas too," he said. "And with two new pool vacuum cleaners operating we're already getting a lot of positive comments on how much cleaner the pools are."

Mr Wimsett's work as a member of the Tararua Aquatic Community Trust, which operates the pool complex, has been praised by council chief executive Blair King after a new management structure was put in place.

"Peter has doing a significant amount of work to get the pool to where the Trust can operate it successfully," he said.

Mr King said Pahiatua On Track should consider inviting Mr Wimsett to brief them on compliance requirements relating to Pahiatua's community swimming pool.

Several changes have been made to the operation of Dannevirke's AMP Wai Splash Community Pool from a compliance perspective, with these improvements enhancing health and safety. Mr Wimsett said staff have been trained in the use of hazardous substances.

Tararua mayor Roly Ellis said Mr Wimsett had put in an enormous amount of time bringing Wai Splash into "the modern world".

Changes were made in the way the complex is managed after the early withdrawal in March by the contractor running the pool. The Tararua Aquatic Community Trust then employed a manager, Pahiatua's Kendyl Paget and staff, rather than contract out the service.

The only holdup in work at the pool complex is the delay in sealing the carpark.

"We were close to getting this done when the weather packed in," Mr Wimsett said. "We are waiting for the chip seal surface to be laid before the hot mix is put on top."