Auckland Council advises of ‘new era’ for city’s aquatic and recreation centres

Transitioning to new contracts for the management of its aquatic and recreation centres as of 1st April, Auckland Council has advised that the change represents a “new era” for its network.

Since the beginning of April, Auckland Council’s 20 outsourced aquatic and recreation centres are operating under new management contracts with Community Leisure Management (CLM) now operating 13 centres, including five seasonal summer pools while YMCA North Incorporated (The Y) will manage seven centres.

This follows a decision by the Council’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee last October to award contracts to CLM and The Y.

The Council advise that “current services and programmes will continue as usual at the five centres changing to a new contracted service partner.”

It also notes that “all pools operated by the council and our service partners provide free swimming for children 16-years-and-under following its introduction at Mt Albert Aquatic Centre”, although this does not include The Olympic.

Explaining that continuing to provide excellent options for Aucklanders to swim and be active is top of mind for Auckland Council, Arvid Ditchburn, General Manager for Pools and Leisure, stated “the Council is excited that 20 of our key pools and leisure centre sites will be operated by two outstanding providers."

“Our pool and leisure centres provide places for Aucklanders to relax, be active and get fit, and connect.

“CLM and The Y both have a history of providing first class pool and leisure services for Aucklanders and we know they’ll run the centres professionally and to an extremely high standard for years to come."

The Y will operate the following facilities: Glen Innes Pool and Leisure Centre; Lagoon Stadium; Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre; Sir William Jordan Recreation Centre; Onehunga War Memorial Pool and Leisure Centre; Ellerslie Recreation Centre and Massey Leisure Centre.

The Y Chief Executive, Rebecca Russell commented “we share Auckland Council's vision to enhance the wellbeing of all Aucklanders, and we're excited to work alongside Auckland Council and CLM to create spaces where Aucklanders can move, connect and thrive. This goes beyond fitness, recreation and aquatics, it's about fostering whanaungatanga and building strong, vibrant communities for years to come.”

CLM will operate: Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre; Massey Park Pool; Papakura Leisure Centre; Whiteside Pool; Jubilee Pool; Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre; Cameron Pool and Leisure Centre; Lynfield Youth and Leisure Centre; Mt Albert Aquatic Centre; Mt Albert Community and Leisure Centre; Parnell Baths; Point Erin Pool; Grey Lynn Paddling Pool.

CLM Chief Executive, Craig Carter added “we are excited to get started and through partnering with both Auckland Council and The Y we can make a real difference to the lives of our communities through safe, fun, and enjoyable leisure and wellbeing experiences. This unique partnership approach puts Aucklanders at the centre of everything we do which can only have significant benefits for our city.”

Auckland Council owns 43 pools and leisure centres across the region. Twenty centres are outsourced, one facility is operated under a lease arrangement (The Olympic, Newmarket) and 22 are operated by the council.

Auckland Council Pools and Leisure - new outsourced centre model

YMCA North (The Y) with Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board
Glen Innes Pool and Leisure Centre 
Lagoon Stadium, Panmure
Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre, Panmure
Sir William Jordan Recreation Centre, Onehunga
Onehunga War Memorial Pool and Leisure Centre 

The Y with Ōrākei Local Board
Ellerslie Recreation Centre 

The Y with Henderson-Massey Local Board
Massey Leisure Centre, Massey
 
Community Leisure Management (CLM) with Albert-Eden Local Board
Mount Albert Aquatic Centre 
Mount Albert Community and Leisure Centre

CLM with Franklin Local Board
Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre, Pukekohe
Jubilee Pool, Pukekohe
Whiteside Pool, Waiuku

CLM with Mangere- Ōtāhuhu Local Board
Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre 
 
CLM with Papakura Local Board
Massey Park Pool, Papakura
Papakura Leisure Centre 

CLM with Puketāpapa Local Board
Cameron Pool and Leisure Centre, Mt Roskill 
Lynfield Youth and Leisure Centre 

CLM with Waitematā Local Board
Parnell Baths  
Point Erin Pool  
Grey Lynn Paddling Pool 

Images: Otahuhu Pool and Leisure Centre (top) and Parnell Baths (below).