The Hokitika Swimming Pool is closed from today 1 May following a Westland District Council decision to temporarily close the facility due to unsustainable heating costs.
At its meeting on 17 April, Council unanimously agreed to close the pool while a longer-term solution for heating the facility is progressed. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately three to six months.
The decision follows sustained increases in diesel prices, which have significantly impacted the cost of heating the pool water. Council has been monitoring fuel prices closely and, after working through all available options, determined that continuing to operate under the current diesel heating system is no longer financially sustainable.
Tenders are currently out for the upgrade of the pool’s heating system. An electric heating system has been identified as the preferred option, as a more efficient, cost-effective solution.
While the pool is closed, the team will carry out annual maintenance. The facility would normally close for around one month in June for this work, and bringing it forward during this period will ensure the pool is in the best possible condition for reopening.
Chief Executive Barbara Phillips said the decision was not taken lightly. “We know how important the pool is to our community, and our focus is on getting it back open as soon as possible with a more sustainable and efficient system in place.”
Council is continuing to monitor fuel prices weekly and is committed to minimising the duration of the closure where possible.
The community’s support and understanding during this time is appreciated. Council will continue to keep the community informed as work progresses or if circumstances change.