Stratford Aquatic Centre gets official opening

Stratford District Council, situated in New Zealand’s North Island, has officially opened its Wai o Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre.

The facility is more than twice the capacity of the old TSB Pool Complex and is home to an 8-lane 25 metre competition pool, 20 metre programme and hydrotherapy pool, learn to swim pool, toddler pool and a zero-depth splash pad, kitted out with a range of interactive water toys.

On opening the new aquatic centre Mayor Neil Volzke advised "the new pool is a first-class facility that has something for everyone. It will be enjoyed by not only Stratford residents, but by people right across our region."

As part of the 2018-28 Long Term Plan, Council identified the need to replace the current TSB Pool Complex facility with a new building, providing significant improvements and increased levels of service in a more comfortable indoor swimming pool experience.

The benefits of this development include:

• Future requirements – a facility that better meets the future needs of the community

• Regional benefits – a facility that better caters for the needs of the Stratford district and its neighbours

• More choice – a facility that delivers a better and wider ranges of services

• Growth - a facility that stimulates community growth and development

• Destination – a facility that makes Stratford more attractive as a place to either live, work or play.

The project needed to attract some grant funding in order to go ahead, and in 2020 Council was successful in receiving a Provincial Growth Fund grant of $8million towards the project. The total cost of the project is $20million, with the remaining $12million being funded through rates and other external funding.

‘Wai O Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre’ was born out of collaboration between local iwi Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, and Ngāti Maru, who worked with Council on a wide range of features for the new community facility.

When developing the name, iwi representatives drew inspiration from two local tupuna (ancestors), acknowledging Ruaputuhanga and Rua Taranaki (Taranaki Mounga), along with elements from the environment including the local awa (rivers).

Director Community Services, Kate Whareaitu advised “Wai o Rua directly translates to “Water of Rua,” referring to the two tupuna, however along with telling a local story, it also celebrates the energetic nature of the new facility, a welcoming space that will cater to all members of our community.

“The short playful title was thought to be most appropriate for a facility that is designed to deliver education, competition and health in a fun way.”

“From Wai Play babies to rehabilitation patients and competitive swimmers, this facility is for everyone and we hope our community will love everything about Wai O Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre.”