Christchurch’s Linwood Pool gifted a special name

The new $22 million pool complex in Linwood, Christchurch has been gifted the name Te Pou Toetoe by local rūnanga Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

The much-anticipated community facility will formally be known as Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool.

Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox advises the name Te Pou Toetoe reflects both the local environment and the passing of knowledge.

Cox adds “the term ‘Pou’ is a reference to both the building itself, and to the way we pass knowledge from person to person, and generation to generation.

“The ‘Toetoe' comes from the clusters of toetoe and vegetation originally found in the area on the sand dunes near Ihutai (the estuary).

“The toetoe is a versatile plant with a lot of uses for Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and because we see the new facility as continuing our stewardship of the site’s ecology and historical connections, the gifted name is a perfect reflection. For the people who lived here, the toetoe was a valuable part of the landscape, and Te Pou Toetoe will be a 21st century version of that for our community.

Cox commented: “These historical connections and concepts will also be reflected in the design of the pool building, and in the landscaping.”

The concept designs for Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool were approved by the Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board in May following extensive community engagement.

The new facility adjacent to Linwood Park includes a multi-use 25-metre lane pool that features a deep-water area, a family spa pool, learn to swim pool, and a pool for toddlers, complete with water deck. Community meeting rooms and a kitchen are also part of the design.

Cox notes that “food has traditionally been a great reason for people to connect socially, and the bookable kitchen will be a major point of difference that Te Pou Toetoe has for the community.

“When integrated with our outdoor gathering area and picnic tables, the kitchen will let the community come together to prepare and eat food in a way you don’t always get in a public space.”

The outdoor community space connects the facility to Linwood Park and includes a gathering area, picnic tables, tennis and multi-use courts, cycle stands, parking and multiple open areas for all ages to enjoy.

The new pool is due to open in late 2021.

Image: A concept design for Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool