Otaki TodayThe redevelopment of Ōtaki Pool got a big boost when Kāpiti Coast District Council approved an extra $5.1 million for the project.
The extra funding, approved at a council meeting on September 3, lifts the total estimated cost from $11.1 million to $16.2 million and will come from within the council’s existing capital works programme. The redevelopment will provide a more versatile pool complex, including separate facilities for learn-to-swim, lane swimming and deep-water activities.
Ōtaki Pool. Photo courtesy of KCDC
Ōtaki Pool has become increasingly busy, with annual visits rising from about 47,000 to 66,500 in the past three years. Demand for learn-to-swim, water safety and community programmes has also increased.
Mayor Janet Holborow says keeping a local pool was especially important for Ōtaki families.
“For a community like Ōtaki, having a local pool facility is vital,” she says. “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.”
The council had already budgeted for essential work at the ageing facility, including replacing heating systems, upgrading water treatment and filtration equipment, and improving energy efficiency.
Following community feedback in 2024, the planned redevelopment was expanded to include larger changing rooms, a new spa and sauna, improved entrance and reception areas and a multi-purpose community room.
Because the pool will need to close for an estimated 12-15 months, the council asked staff to investigate what other improvements could be completed while the facility was closed.
The existing 33-metre main pool will be split to create a warmer learn-to-swim and programme pool alongside a 25-metre lane pool. A new deep-water manu pool is also planned.
The council says the deep-water facility will be the only one of its kind in the lower North Island and will provide space for water-safety and rescue training, boat safety, waka ama, aquafit and recreation.
It will also provide a dedicated area for manu, an activity already strongly associated with Ōtaki’s recreational and cultural life.
Council customer and community group manager Brendan Owens says the redevelopment recognises the various uses for the pool.
“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,” he says.
“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 mayor acknowledges the $16.2 million investment was significant at a time when household budgets were under pressure. However, she said essential work needed to be completed 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,” she says.
Up to 33 percent of the cost will be funded through development contributions, with the remainder debt funded over the longer term.
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