Opinions divided on public pool

Massey, Whenuapai, Westgate or somewhere near a park – north-west Auckland residents have spoken.

Debate over a proposed public swimming pool was heating up with social media users suggesting locations around the north-west area.

The Henderson-Massey Local Board, concerned with the growth in the area, said it deserved a new public pool facility.

Neighbourly user Willis Robertson said Massey or Whenuapai were the best locations for a pool because of population growth from new housing developments.

Matt Toua and Toni Watson suggested somewhere next to a park, with parking and an option for outdoor events. Massey resident Cheryl Wong said Westgate was the ideal location.

‘‘The west Auckland community have been demanding for a new public pool for some time. ’’

‘‘The library is being built there so why not add the pool and a huge playground?’’ Wong said.

Some Neighbourly users said New Lynn and Avondale were better locations but Shirley Mackay from Swanson thought otherwise.

‘‘The pool should be built in the new north-west area as this catchment area is where the majority of the population growth has developed since West Wave was built,’’ Mackay said.

‘‘There are no pools between West Wave, Helensville and North Shore of any consequence for public use, not taking into account school pools which are not open to the general public.’’

Hobsonville, Huapai, Kumeu, and Swanson should be considered, she said.

Other social media users suggested a petition to boost efforts for a new pool.

Auckland Council head of active recreation Rob McGee said it was prioritising a new pool facility in the Whau area.

It was an initial priority, with a business plan put forward for the council to consider.

But McGee said work had now began in assessing the future leisure needs in north-west.

Henderson-Massey Local Board chairman Shane Henderson said Auckland had 27 pools but west Auckland only one.

He said his board supported the Whau Local Board’s proposal for a new pool but a second West Auckland pool would be even better.

‘‘Given rampant population growth in both communities, it is clear that pools are needed in both the Northwest and the Whau areas.’’

He said the local board would push hard for a pool in the north-west area.