Pool fundraising committee ready to begin

July 1st, 2015
[by David Armstrong]

A core fundraising committee has been set up to begin work on creating a covered and ultimately heated swimming pool for Motueka, and they are seeking more active members.

The project, being run under Good Sports Motueka, will build a solar-enabled wrapping around the present high school pool, add changing sheds for the public, and later provide heating for the water. (See our earlier story, along with concept drawings.)

The new sub-committee will strategise a fundraising effort that is expected to combine grants from national funding bodies, monetary donations from Motueka people, and provision of materials and services donated "in kind" to cut construction costs.

No money will be sought from Tasman District Council, following Council's refusal three years ago to include a new pool in its Long Term Plan.

The Good Sports pool committee last night established the special fundraising sub-committee, which so far comprises three of the existing pool committee (chaired by Fred Hickling), two members of Vision Motueka's board, and three other volunteers, one of whom offered her services from the Motueka 2030 Facebook page.

With building plans already developed (see drawing below) and costed, the main task is to finalise a feasibility study that can be presented to potential funding organisations, create a strategy for getting the Motueka public keen on helping, and begin publicity including a website and Facebook page.

Fred says the new group would love to hear from anyone who is also passionate about Motueka having its own potentially year-round swimming facility, to get in touch and volunteer to held spread the effort. Fred's phone number is . Or you can contact the writer of this article on or .

They would also love to hear from anyone who would volunteer to build a low-cost or free website.

"Last month more than 80% of people surveyed through Vision Motueka's 2030 questionnaire said they were strongly in favour of building an indoor swimming pool in Motueka," says Fred.

"So now it's time for those who are able and willing, to put their hands up and help with planning and fundraising. We hope to hear from anyone who could put themselves forward and help make this popular project actually happen."

Comment by Karen teGroen:
[Posted 4 July 2015]

Yes, I would love to see a heated community swimming pool, long overdue for Motueka. All our outdoor summer things to do, we have such a beautiful area, many people coming for the beauty of the outdoors. Then when we have cold wet days, we all have to head to Richmond!

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