Katikati’s upgraded Dave Hume Pool will open to the public for an extended summer season on Monday, December 22, with a new learn-to-swim pool, outdoor gym and a fresh line-up of classes and activities.

The main 33.3m pool has been reconfigured to create two pools – a 25m pool and a new 7m learn to swim pool, which will run at a warmer temperature and enable the pools to stay open for longer, from September until May each year.

A disability hoist has been added to the main pool to improve accessibility, all the pools have been relined, a new and safer sand filtration system has been installed, and the changing rooms and reception areas have been refurbished.

Outdoor fitness area

An outdoor fitness area has also been created to provide wellness opportunities. It is the first location outside Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to have this leading-edge equipment.

A blessing and ribbon cutting were held on December 17 before the December 22 opening, attended by tangata whenua from Te Rereatukahia Marae, Western Bay Mayor James Denyer, Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) staff, and representatives from Bay Venues, Dave Hume Pool Trust, Filtration and Pumping Commercial (FPC), Beca and Veros.

Dave Hume Pool assistant aquatic manager Nora Moeke with the facility’s lifeguard team and WBOPDC reserves and facilities assets manager Janine Field. Photo / Supplied

The mayor said the upgraded pool complex reflected years of hard work and a shared commitment to investing in Katikati’s future.

“Seeing this upgrade come to life is a real win for Katikati. This is a space where people of all ages can come together, stay active, learn new skills and simply enjoy being part of a community,” Deneyer said.

“It’s great to see local passion and long-term vision turning into something that will benefit families for years to come.”

The upgrade followed many years of the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust developing the concept of an enclosed pool, with a new liner system to reduce painting costs and frequency.

The roof project to enclose the pool was factored into Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s 2021-2031 Long Term Plan, but due to escalating costs, the council agreed in October 2024 to focus its attention on a bulkhead, pool upgrades and a new liner system.

The funding

The $2.5m improvements had been funded through existing budgets from the 2023/2024 financial year, together with Dave Hume Pool Trust funding. The trust contributed $65,000 from its own funds, and sourced a further $655,000 from external funders, from TECT ($400,000), the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board ($250,000) and the Lions Club of Katikati ($5000).

WBOPDC reserves and facilities assets manager Janine Field said it was a privilege to be involved in the project and she thanked the trust for its vision and determination.

“I want to acknowledge the trust’s 30 years of volunteer dedication. I’m sure the community will enjoy the upgraded facilities – a place to have fun, improve your health, be included, and for tamariki [children] to learn to swim safely.”

The pool complex would be operated by Bay Venues, which had been awarded the service delivery contract for the next four years, with a two-year, performance-based extension.

Nora Moeke, who would be leading Dave Hume Pool as the assistant aquatic manager, was excited for the new season. She said she was ready to connect with the community, help shape a growing team and dive into the rich history of the pool and its people.

“Fun community events and family days are planned for the pool this summer, including a pool party in late January. A range of BaySwim classes will also be launching in early 2026.”

Lifeguard and aquatic shift leader Jordan Nicholson grew up in Katikati and learned to swim at the Dave Hume Pool.

For her community

“Dave Hume was where I learned to swim when I was super young. I started taking lessons at the pool when I was 5, then I trained with Surf Life Saving and Dave Hume was our base,” she said.

Having returned from her OE in August, she was excited to take on her new role at the pool.

“Your heart feels quite content when you’re working for your community.”

Bella Bryant, who has worked at the Dave Hume Pool as a lifeguard for three seasons, was equally excited for the summer season ahead.

Bryant grew up in Katikati and spent many hot days swimming at the Dave Hume Pool with her friends, family and her school.

“I learned how to swim there, and I enjoy the community feel and knowing everyone’s names,” she said. “I feel like it’s a sense of giving back in a way. I like keeping a connection to the community and seeing everyone.”

Katikati’s upgraded Dave Hume Pool will reopen to the public on Monday, December 22. To find out entry fee and opened on hour details, visit: www.taurangapools.co.nz/public-pools/davehumepool-katikati