Hot pools venture hits snag

A bureaucratic bungle has poured cold water on a proposed hot pools venture on Kaikōura’s waterfront.

The Kaikōura District Council entered into a lease agreement with Kaikōura Springs Ltd in 2022 on the former Kaikōura Lions Community Pool site on the Esplanade, allowing the Christchurch-based company to develop a hot pools and wellness centre concept.

At the time, the council believed it was Crown-owned land, and it was acting with the approval of the Department of

Conservation. During public consultation in February it became clear the land had been vested in the council some years ago, rendering the process to date “null and void”, council chief executive Will Doughty said.

“We sought our own legal advice and we have made the decision to stop the process and regroup. We have informed Kaikōura Springs Ltd and we will continue to work with them and hopefully we can achieve a good outcome. It is clear there is strong support for a hot pools in Kaikōura.”

Doughty said as the site was reserve land, legislation required the council to develop a reserve management plan before proceeding, which will be subject to public consultation. Kaikōura Springs directors Tony Joseph and Anton Wilkes said the news was “frustrating”.

“We are extremely disappointed and frustrated with the outcome after 3.5 years of work and a significant financial investment.”

The directors said the hot pools and wellness project was expected to create 35 jobs and provide employment during the winter.

The company’s initial feasibility study indicated there would be ‘‘significant visitor volume’’ to the pools and wellness centre.

“We still believe in the Kaikōura Springs project, however, its planning hinges on an easily accessible location close to or within the village, and with the iconic Kaikōura mountain and ocean views,” the directors said.

The council’s recent consultation found overwhelming support for developing a hot pools and wellness centre in the town, although there were a small number of submissions opposed to the site.

A reserve management plan will determine what activities can be carried out on the site. The site was previously home to the Kaikōura Lions Community Pool, which was severely damaged in the November 2016, 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

It was subsequently replaced by the Kaikōura Aquatic Centre, which opened in 2021 on Scarborough Hill.