Once again the contamination risk is provided as one of the main reasons for the sudden change in location after two years of consultation on the options at the Onekawa site.
Historical reports commissioned by council are very clear that the contamination risk on this site is minimal, which surely is supported by the fact that council has issued resource consents in recent years for further development on the site including the Plunket build.
Speaking of which, claiming that there is some sort of risk in respect to the Plunket and kindergarten which are located next to the Onekawa Pool is quite frankly, in my opinion, scaremongering.
One must also ask why is this 'risk' constrained to the block the pool is located on, no mention is made of the residential properties located across the road which would also surely be at 'risk' if there were any real concerns.
The scaremongering becomes even more apparent when you consider that the pool proposed for Prebensen Drive will be built above ground level and that very little excavation is needed.
Surely this same pool design could be used at Onekawa? And we are being told the Onekawa pool will have to be closed for the 18 to 20 month construction period, this is in contradiction to the LTP document which states access would be limited during construction.
Historical business cases prepared for the redevelopment of the Onekawa site never stated that the centre would be completely closed during construction so what has changed?
The new aquatic facility will provide us with more lane space, a 'floating floor' and "gold standard" accessibility for people with physical challenges.
There is no reason why a redevelopment at the Onekawa site cannot provide us with all of these and more.
Although, before these decisions are made, it again comes back to asking our community what it is they need as key stakeholders and members of the swimming community have raised concerns about the proposed Prebensen Drive design.
Accessibility for the whole community is also a concern which is often raised in relation to the proposed new site.
The Onekawa site is closer to three of our city's four wards including some of its most deprived residential areas. The closest adjoining suburbs contain our city's most affordable housing which of course attracts our younger families buying their first home.
Google maps clearly shows that the Onekawa site is far more central and within walking distance of more schools.
No socio/economic report has been prepared on how the Onekawa closure will affect these schools within walking distance of the facility.
Neither has such a report been prepared on how the closure will affect the adjacent shopping centre and other complimentary Onekawa Park amenities.
And last but not least we cannot ignore the elephant in the room. The number one concern raised with me when I am out door knocking or talking to people in the community is water, firstly our drinking water followed closely by the state of the Ahuriri Estuary.
Which, of course, would be available to all of our community to swim free of charge if contaminants and sewage were not being discharged into it.
The acting mayor states there is budget allocated for these, however the $41.3 million dollar question is - is it enough?
The current council recently confirmed that water is its number one priority, it's time to put your money where your mouth is. Not a Vanity Project – I'm sorry but I find that hard to believe!
* Kirsten Wise is a Napier City Councillor and mayoral candidate
