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”.
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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