Taihape debates future of its amenities
Decisions to decide the future of two of Taihape’s key amenities are being thrashed out this year between the people and the Rangitikei District Council.
The council has been on the receiving end of community passion as it has sought to find out what people want for its ailing swimming pool and Memorial Park’s ageing grandstand before it sets its latest spending priorities.
St Joseph’s School principal Ann-Maree Manson-Petherick told the council in her submission on its annual plan that the importance of swimming lessons for water safety could not be overstated.
‘‘New Zealand is an island nation with some of the most magnificent waterways in the world. Water is life and in New Zealand, it’s our way of life, but it also takes life.
‘‘If the council chooses not to upgrade the Taihape pools you will be taking away the opportunity for children to learn to swim in this area.’’
Lesley Keuning, of Taihape, made a similar point.
‘‘The Taihape pool is the only swimming pool within the area and it is most essential to keep the pool open to allow the children of our area to learn to swim.’’
The fate of the grandstand also got blood pressures rising as debate raged between those who want it done away with and others calling for its preservation.
Teacher Hura Duffin told the council the grand stand was an excellent example of Edwardian architecture and one of a few heritage buildings in Taihape.
Bronwyn Twon said in a submission the grandstand had been a part of the Taihape community for many generations.
‘‘It saddens me to think of it not being there and replaced with something [that] will have no historical meaning.’’
But as council chief executive Ross McNeil tells it, help is on the way for both.
The pool, heading toward a total upgrade cost of about $400,000, will reopen in mid November with replacement heating and filtration systems.
As for the grandstand, there is still room for debate over whether it should combine with an amenities block or separate structures built.
McNeil said a decision could be expected by Christmas.