Whangarei Primary School Pool

Built in 1925, the swimming pool at Whangarei Primary school has served successive generations of our community for the past 93 years. During this time, literally thousands of young people have learned how to swim in it. The pool forms an integral part of our health and physical education programme. Being a coastal city, we believe it is essential that all students learn water safety skills. All students receive swimming lessons at least twice a week during the summer months, and are encouraged to use this facility each lunchtime as a further opportunity to develop their water confidence and skills.

The pool was originally built as the public baths for the fledgling Whangarei city community. At some point in the 1970s or 1980s ownership of the pool was passed over to Whangarei Primary School. The school has been responsible for meeting the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the pool since then.

A new pump and filter system was installed in the pool facility in 1965. This system has served the community well, however after more than 50 years of operation, and despite a regular programme of maintenance, it has finally reached a point where it has suffered a critical breakdown; rendering it beyond repair. It is going to cost $278,000 to effect the required repairs and upgrade.

Unfortunately over the past decade many schools in New Zealand have been forced to close their swimming pools due to funding issues. Our school school Board of Trustees are determined to not let this happen to our school pool. But to do this we desperately need your help. Any support that you can provide, is gratefully accepted.