Leaky Tinwald Pool closed for summer
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
It leaks 17,000 litres a day, has a failing plant and staffing issues so the Tinwald Pool will not open this summer to avoid being a drain on the ratepayers.
The future of the pool will be decided in the upcoming long-term plan (LTP) process.
Graham Ackroyd, a Tinwald resident all his life and on the Tinwald Reserve Board for 20 years, understands the motives behind the closure of the pool but said it will still come as a shock to the community.
“If you can’t staff something and it needs a lot of maintenance, it’s pretty hard.
“It’s a great asset and it would be a shame to see it close completely.
The pool's issues weren’t insurmountable but would need community support to get the funding it needs, he said.
The outdoor pool has been leaking about 17,000 litres a day each season, its plant is failing, and a rebuild of the 50-year-old pool is estimated to cost at least $3m.
The pool has also been a drain on ratepayers.
The pool’s highest patronage in any one season of 3050 in the 2020-/21 season resulted in a financial loss of $66,000.
On top of the leaks, failing plant, and financial constraints, the pool has been hampered by staffing issues with a lifeguard shortage.
All of the factors combined for the Ashburton District Council to decide not to open the pool this summer and to consider its future LTP.
Councillor Tony Todd said the closure was “a sound business decision over the emotional side of it".
“We have a pool that’s losing 17,000 litres a day which probably isn’t a good look.”
Staff issues, low patronage and the “true cost is $22 per head” means a replacement facility needs consideration in the LTP, he said.
“And if a new pool is actually needed.”
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan suggested changing to a pool key system that doesn’t require lifeguards like at rural community pools.
As Tinwald has the potential to have up to 300 swimmers, and the key system model is more suited to lower usage, people and capability general manager Sarah Mosely said.
It also wouldn’t solve the leaking issues or financial constraints, she said.
Reduced opening hours were an option but as that retained fixed costs and is at the whim of the weather it was overlooked.
Hampstead School’s pool is a possible option as a temporary alternative but the issue of staffing “doesn’t stop by going to another pool”, Mosely said.
The pool closure was disappointing but with the EA Networks pools residents are not missing out, mayor Neil Brown said.
“Maybe slightly disadvantaged if you live in Tinwald, but you still have an option to still keep swimming”.
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.4% Yes
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46.6% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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