Lightning strike closes Wanaka Pool

Wanaka Pool was temporarily closed after the facility was hit by lightning during an electrical storm on Wednesday (9th January).

Lakes Leisure Chief Executive Ruth Stokes said a young girl who was showering at the time was thought to have received a mild electrical shock.

However, the child did not sustain any injuries and did not require any medical attention.

In closing the pool, Stokes explained "our primary concern is for the child but we have been assured that she is fine. This is an accident that no-one could have anticipated, however, we are investigating the matter further."

Lakes Leisure has also introduced free Wireless hotspots at the Queenstown Events Centre.

In partnership with HQWiFi, access is available throughout most indoor areas at the Centre with users able to receive 30 minutes of free internet access per 24 hours through the HQWiFi network when using their own devices.

HQWifi installed the infrastructure free of charge to provide internet access during major events such as TRENZ and Lakes Leisure's Events and Venues Manager, JD Marrable, has now extended the service to allow the public free internet access.

Marrable explained "it's a great way to give our visitors a bit of added value and people can now enjoy catching up on Facebook or surfing the web for free while they wait for their next class to start, have a coffee or collect their children from sport."