Thursday 13 June
Wellington City Council’s LeisureCard scheme is set to get a refresh to ensure it reaches the people who need it most –
those in vulnerable positions or financial hardship.
By extending eligibility and partnering with organisations that work most closely with those in need, barriers can be
removed and it will help more people access recreation programmes and services.
The LeisureCard scheme, which offers discounts for Wellington City Council-owned pools, gyms and recreational
facilities, had recommended changes presented at today’s City Strategy Committee meeting following a review agreed upon
by Councillors last year.
The City Strategy Committee agreed recommended changes to the LeisureCard, including:
• Through partnerships with agencies supporting people in need – auto-issue the LeisureCard to eligible people,
including City Housing tenants, Green Prescription holders, Housing NZ and other Community Housing tenants, and those
with a refugee background.
• Extend the life of the LeisureCard for people with a Community Services Card from one to two years, with an easier
application and renewal process.
• Adding three new eligibility criteria to the scheme – other community housing tenants (including 1,700 Housing NZ),
people with a refugee background, people living in high deprivation who are receiving support from an NGO (including
mental health support).
• SuperGold Card holders who have a SuperGold+CSC ‘Combo card’ will continue to be eligible for the full range of
LeisureCard discounts, while SuperGold card holders will get a standard 20 percent discount at WCC pools and recreation
centres.
• Students will receive a 20 percent discount for pool and recreation centre entry.
• Community Services Card holders who choose not to apply for a LeisureCard or who live outside of Wellington City will
be eligible for a 20 percent discount on pool and recreation centre entry, swimming lessons, and recreation centre
programmes.
Mayor Justin Lester supports the recommendations and agrees with the review findings.
“The recommendations will ensure that the scheme has the greatest benefits for those who need it most.
“By extending eligibility and partnering with organisations that work most closely with those in need we can remove
barriers and help more people access Council programmes and services.”
SuperGold card holders who also hold a community services card will continue to be eligible for the full range of
LeisureCard discounts. Whilst those without a community services card are no longer eligible to join the scheme, anyone
with a SuperGold card will get a standard 20% discount on entry to Council facilities on presentation of their SuperGold
card.
Council Recreation Portfolio leader Fleur Fitzsimons says the aim of the LeisureCard is to support people in financial
need to access Council’s recreation facilities for a number of reasons.
“We place a high value on the importance of learning to swim, staying fit, healthy, active, and engaging with the
community – and making these all accessible for everybody in the capital.
“I believe these recommended changes, and the Council’s partnerships with groups working with people in need, will
ensure this happens better.
“I am committed to working with the arts community, sports clubs and private businesses in Wellington to increase the
benefits offered by the Leisure Card over time,” adds Councillor Fitzsimons.
ENDS