For many people in Ōtaki, the local pool is much more than a place to swim. It is where children develop lifelong water safety skills, whānau spend time together, and the community comes together to stay active and connected.
Ōtaki Pool is busier than ever, with annual visits increasing from around 47,000 to 73,700 over the past three years. Demand for learn-to-swim, Kauora, water safety and community programmes also continues to grow.
What's happening
On 3 September 2026 Council approved an additional $5.1 million to move ahead with stage 2 of the redevelopment of Ōtaki Pool, enabling a more modern and versatile facility for the growing Ōtaki community.
The additional funding takes the total stage 2 investment from $11.1 million to an estimated $16.2 million and will come from within Council’s capital works programme.
Stage two of the redevelopment includes:
- moving the main entrance and changing rooms from the south end of the pool to the west side (beside the tennis club)
- building a new reception area to keep wet and dry areas separate, and add more retail space
- replacing the ageing heating system so the pool uses less energy
- upgrading water treatment and filtration equipment
- extending and updating the plant room
- splitting the existing 33-metre main pool to create a warmer 32 degree learn-to-swim and programme pool alongside a standard 25-metre lane pool (both with accessible ramps)
- a new deep-water manu pool
- an updated toddlers pool
- a new sauna and spa pool
- creating a bus park area at the south end with its own entrance
- larger changing rooms for big groups like schools
- a multi-purpose community room
- new shade cloths above the splashpad.
The redevelopment will occur in stages over two-years. We are aiming to have construction start in early 2027. Final timing will be confirmed once the main contractor has been appointed.
- Building consent - submitted and waiting approval
- Procurement - September to December 2026
- Establish site and early works – February / March 2027 (pool remains open)
- Estimated pool closure for redevelopment - April / May 2027
Council has carefully considered the impact construction will have on pool users, including sports clubs and learn-to-swim participants. To help keep programmes running during the temporary closure, we're working with Ōtaki College on the use of its outdoor pool over summer and exploring shuttle services to other Council pools for lessons and activities.
- Pool reopens - April / May 2028 (estimated 12-14 months pool closure)
Parking
Parking can be busy around the Ōtaki Pool and Haruātai Park, especially during popular times such as Saturday morning sport. To better understand current demand, Council commissioned an independent parking assessment, which confirmed that additional parking is needed across the wider park during peak periods.
Importantly, the pool redevelopment will not reduce the number of existing parking spaces. Instead, it provides an opportunity to plan for additional parking that will better support the growing number of people using the pool and wider park facilities now and into the future.
Finding ways to improve parking and access will be considered as part of the broader Haruātai Destination Park Masterplan, which looks at the long-term future of the park and how it can best support the growing number of people who use it.
Ōtaki Pool redevelopment: Stage 1
Stage 1 improvement works to rebuild the pool’s structure were carried out in 2017.
This involved replacing the building’s cladding, strengthening structural steel, installing insulation, installing double-glazed windows and improving heating and ventilation systems.
This work will remain fully intact and will continue to form part of the upgraded facility.