Funding to fix free Kawerau heated pool

Kawerau District Council received over $200,000 from Trust Horizon to help fix its free, heated swimming pool, alongside other projects.

The council decided in September that a new steam well was needed for the Maurie Kjar Swimming Pool Complex, which has been closed for much of the past winter due to not reaching hot enough temperatures.

As well as $66,247 toward the drilling of the new geothermal bore, $24,884 has been obtained to replace the broken splash pad controller, and $60,000 to expand the power connection at the complex for the current upgrade of the entrance and clubrooms, funded by the Lotteries Community Facilities Committee.

This building work is already under way as part of stage two of the pool development.  Stage one saw the new clubrooms completed for the swimming club, utilising the former changing rooms.

In addition, Trust Horizon has granted $60,000 for a power connection to a new animal shelter and rehoming facility.

The animal rehoming shelter project is on the drawing board ready to go and the tender has been advertised for the building.  This adds up to a total of $211,000 to the community.

Mayor Malcolm Campbell acknowledged this would make a huge difference to the Kawerau community.

“The pools are such a well-loved and used complex by so many people of all ages within the community.”

Mr Campbell also wanted to acknowledge Kawerau’s Trust Horizon trustee Edwina O’Brien for her support of the district.

Chief executive Russell George said the support for the projects and in particular the bore hole, would have an ongoing positive impact for the community and council.

“Geothermal steam is by far the most economic method to heat the complex.”

“So this support has an immediate impact, allowing us to drill the new bore hole and tap into a new steam well – which has an ongoing cost saving for ratepayers.”

Find out more about Trust Horizon community funding here.