Council approves additional investment in much-loved Ōtaki Pool

Kāpiti Coast District Council has today approved an additional $5.1 million to move ahead with the redevelopment of Ōtaki Pool, delivering a more modern and versatile facility for the growing Ōtaki community.

The additional funding takes the total investment from $11.1 million to an estimated $16.2 million and will come from within Council’s capital works programme.

Ōtaki Pool is busier than ever, with annual visits increasing from around 47,000 to 66,500 over the past three years. Demand for learn-to-swim, water safety and community programmes also continues to grow.

Mayor Janet Holborow says the Ōtaki Pool plays an essential role in delivering learn-to-swim programmes, and it's critical that it remains available locally.

"For a community like Ōtaki, having a local pool facility is vital. Many families can't simply walk, bike, or catch a bus to another town. We have a responsibility to make sure children can access these life-saving skills close to home,” says Mayor Holborow.

“A pool is much more than swimming. It's a place where rangatahi can connect, families can spend time together, and people can stay active and healthy. Those opportunities are available in the southern part of the district, and it's important that Ōtaki residents have access to them too.

“Council is conscious this is a significant investment, particularly when household budgets are under pressure.

“Staff have looked carefully at what needs to be done now and what can wait but the reality is that the essential work needs to happen now to keep the pool operating.

“Doing the work at the same time reduces costs and means one closure rather than carrying it out in stages and causing more disruption later.”

This is not a new project. Funding was included in Council’s Long-term Plan for essential upgrades, including replacing ageing heating systems, upgrading water treatment and filtration equipment and improving energy efficiency.

Following community feedback in 2024, Council also agreed to improvements including larger changing rooms, a new spa and sauna, new entrance and reception facilities and a multi-purpose community room.

With the pool needing to close for around 12 to 15 months for this work, Council then asked staff to look at what other improvements could be delivered at the same time. This includes splitting the existing 33-metre main pool to create a warmer learn-to-swim and programme pool alongside a 25-metre lane pool and adding a new deep-water manu pool.

The deep-water pool will be the only facility of its kind in the lower North Island, supporting water safety and rescue training, boat safety, waka ama, aquafit and recreation. It will also provide a dedicated space for manu, an activity already part of Ōtaki’s cultural and recreational DNA.

Customer and Community Group Manager Brendan Owens says the changes will allow the pool to support a wider range of activities.

“People use the pool in lots of different ways – from learning to swim and keeping fit, to training, birthday parties and spending time with friends and whānau.

“We also know there are fewer activities and places for young people to connect in Ōtaki, and public transport connections can make accessing other facilities around the district difficult. The manu pool gives our rangatahi another local option.”

As a long-term investment in a Council asset, up to 33 percent of the cost will be paid for by development contributions and the remainder will be debt funded over the longer term. This means the cost is spread over time.

A waterslide was considered but has not been included due to cost. It remains an option for the future.

The redevelopment is expected to improve the pool’s energy and financial performance and create more opportunities for programmes and facility hire.

“Ultimately, the investment will give Ōtaki a safer, more flexible pool that can support swimming, water safety, recreation and community use for years to come,” Mr Owens said.