AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

9 July 2007

New swimming pool entry prices

Escalating operating costs have forced Auckland City Council to approve the first rise in swimming pool entry prices in 10 years.

Since 1997, when the entry prices were last changed, the cost of operating swimming pools has increased by more than 25 percent due to rising water, chemical, energy and staffing costs.

The price rise will see the adult fee increase by $1 to $5 and the child fee by 50c to $2.50, at selected Auckland City Council swimming pools.

The price increase will take effect over Labour Weekend, between 20 and 21 October 2007, which is the transition from winter to summer seasons.

At the same time, a new discount framework will be implemented to offer reduced entry costs to infants, seniors, students, community service card holders, non-swimmers, families and frequent users of the facilities.

Councillor Vern Walsh, deputy chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, says the price rise is a small but necessary one.

“It must be recognised that the cost of operating these pools has risen considerably in the past decade. The council has increased funding to the pools but it has now become necessary to implement a small price increase.

“However, the council has worked with the swimming pool operators to ensure that the new cost of entry will not act as a deterrent to current and potential pool users.

“It is important that access to swimming pool facilities remains affordable for all members of the community, which is why we are introducing a new standardised discount framework.”

The following council-owned or supported swimming pools will be affected by the rise:

1. Cameron pool

2. Glen Innes pool

3. Lagoon Leisure & Fitness centre

4. Onehunga War Memorial pool

5. Pt Erin pool.

The Parnell Baths will see a 50c increase in both adult and child fees to bring entry costs in line with Tepid Baths. This will ensure consistency across the two inner-city pools.

From now on, price increases at these pools will be linked to the Consumer Price Index and will be adjusted annually in 20c increments.

Four other pools are not affected by the entry price increase due to their contractual arrangements. These are Mt Eden pool, Olympic Pool and Fitness Centre, Philips Aquatic Centre, and Sacred Heart College Pool.

Auckland City Council subsidises the running of 12 pools and reviews the financial subsidy it gives to these pools every three years. In the 2005/06 year, the council contributed $1.1m in subsidies to swimming pools.

ENDS

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