Napier people turn out in thousands to save Onekawa Pools

David Kamper will present a petition with about 6500 signatures in favour of saving Onekawa Pools. Photo File

Thousands of Napier residents have signed a petition to save the Onekawa Aquatic Centre, the petition organiser saying it is a huge groundswell.

David Kamper , who started the petition said it had been signed by almost 6500 residents.

"Support is amazing including local schools who walk to pools, local Onekawa shop owners , omni gym who use the pools as part of holiday programme for children and may patrons who use the facility regularly."

He hoped Napier City Council would listen to the people of Napier.

"The general feeling from those who signed is that the council will recognise what the public want, which is to keep Onekawa facility and upgrade it at current location."

Napier's Mayor Bill Dalton said the decision had already been made.

"The council has made the decision to move the pool to the new site."

Council currently has a plan to move the aquatic centre to a new location on Presbensen Drive.

The new centre will cost $41 million, and will be based on the QEII design in Christchurch.

It would include a 25m pool, a learner pool, a programme pool, two spa pools, a gymnasium, a café, and a water play area featuring an accessible pool, bomb pool, hydroslide, and splash pad and water toys.

The petition suggested the aquatic centre should remain at Onekawa, but be updated with a 50 metre pool.

Kamper said the current site was part of a social hub, which the Presbensen Drive site lacked, including that Onekawa was close to schools, the Omni Gym and Onekawa shops.

A spokesperson for Napier City Council said they were unable to comment on the situation until after the petition was presented.

The petition is due to be presented to council on October 16.

The new Aquatic Centre at Presbensen Drive is included in the council's Long Term Plan, and is due to be completed in two and a half to three years.