Wednesday 18 November 2015

Local sawmiller’s donation gives Aquatic Centre fresh look

A local business owner’s connection with Rotorua Aquatic Centre has resulted in the donation of a range of new timber products for the centre’s outdoor areas.

The Rotorua Lakes Council swim facility is embracing the district’s Wood First policy through the generosity of Donelley Sawmillers’ managing director, and Swim Rotorua president, Aaron Donelley.

In conjunction with timber products company Abodo, Mr Donelley has donated radiata pine worth more than $7,000 for fencing, a gate and planter boxes next to the Aquatic Centre’s Swim Club. Most of Abodo’s timber range is sourced from Kaingaroa forests near Rotorua.

Mr Donelley said being a local family-owned business, his company was keen to invest in and support the Rotorua community.

“I’m heavily involved in swimming and believe the Aquatic Centre is a huge asset for Rotorua. I’d love to see it catch-up with the rest of the city’s new developments, like the inner city revitalisation work.

“Our contribution is also a good opportunity to promote Rotorua’s Wood First policy, while showcasing Donelley Sawmillers and Abodo wood products,” he said.

Aquatic Centre manager David Pearce said it was great to be able to work with local businesses to help improve the popular swim facility.

“The exterior is looking so much better with the new fencing. We’re now looking to freshen up the paintwork on the outside of changing rooms and install another wooden gate because the first one looks so good. We’re full of ideas for more enhancements so we really appreciate Aaron’s offer of support over the next 24 months.”

The council’s Wood First initiative promotes timber as the material of first choice for construction, interior design and living developments within Rotorua district.

[ENDS]

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