Te Puna Wai back in action

Te Rangi Aniwaniwa’s ¯ heated pool, Te Puna Wai, which was closed six weeks ago for repairs, will reopen to the public tomorrow.

Opened in 2003, Te PunawaiOra had become a top training / rehabilitation facility for many people of all ages involved in many sports, board chair Trudy Brown said, and although the board had been advised several times to close it after hours, due to increased electricity and maintenance costs, it was seen as an investment in the community.

“We hired a manager to bring in funds to sustain community use and running costs,” she said.

“A new drainage system has been put in the showers and new LED lights have been installed over the pool.

“The next project is to repaint the building, but we have to work with the limited resources we have.”

Te Punawai-Ora manager Manuera Riwai said the complex was looking refreshed, and was ready for business. It would be open to the public, free of charge, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm tomorrow, with a bouncy castle and a sausage sizzle to celebrate, and to thank the public and sports groups for their patience and ongoing support.

Meanwhile a Pioke Swim Club, for tamariki aged 9 to 18, will be launched.

Lead swim coach Jim Larkin, who has a long history of supporting and coaching swimming and has a real passion for youth and sports in general, and is also involved in Tai Tokerau Rugby League, said he hoped to use Te Puna Wai in the future for conditioning players.

Parents who want their tamariki to have swimming lessons are now invited to register via the Te Punawai-Ora Facebook page.

“On behalf of the board of trustees I want to sincerely thank the community for their patience and support during the recent closure,” Ms Brown added.

“Follow us on Facebook Te Punawai-Ora for the latest events and information, or ring the manager on (09) 406-7063.”