Key Takeaways
- The combined budget for the Memorial Park Aquatic Centre and a national‑scale courts‑and‑events hub at Baypark could fall from $190 million to $158 million after partner funding and development contributions are doubled to $67 million.
- Councillors agreed to move forward with both projects but called for tighter scrutiny of cost estimates and requested updated financial modelling before final sign‑off.
- Concerns were raised about demolishing the existing Memorial Park pool, which serves as a living WWII memorial; the council allocated $4 million for decommissioning and design, with a stipulation that the new facility acknowledge the memorial and extend recognition to all veterans.
- The Baypark sports hub will host a relocated Tauranga Netball multisport centre; the netball component alone is now estimated at $15.56 million plus $3.8 million for risk, with a $2 million contribution from the TECT Community Fund.
- Mayor Mahé Drysdale criticised the $350,000 toilet‑block estimate as excessive, urging staff to find savings without reducing project scope.
- Funding for a proposed $16 million Badminton Multisport Centre at Tatua Reserve remains at the council’s previously committed $5 million; a bid to raise it to $6 million failed on a tied vote, and further discussion is postponed.
- Councillors stressed the need to balance investment across sports (swimming, netball, badminton) amid tight budget pressures, while acknowledging that new facilities are essential to accommodate Tauranga’s growth.
Overview of Funding Adjustments
Councillors reviewed the combined financial outlook for the Memorial Park Aquatic Centre and the proposed national‑scale courts and events hub at Baypark. Initial estimates placed the total cost at $190 million, but after doubling partner contributions and development‑related funding to $67 million, the projected outlay could be reduced to $158 million. This adjustment reflects a more collaborative financing approach, aiming to alleviate pressure on ratepayers while still delivering the envisioned facilities. The revised figure will be subject to further validation as detailed designs progress and additional cost‑saving opportunities are explored.
Aquatic Centre Scope and Revised Costing
The Memorial Park Aquatic Centre remains the centrepiece of the council’s infrastructure agenda. The original concept carried a $124 million price tag, featuring hydro slides, a splash pad, a toddler pool, and expanded indoor and outdoor lanes. In 2024 councillors opted to consider scaled‑back versions ranging from $80 million to $105 million. The agenda for the Tuesday meeting presented a refined estimate of $81 million spread over four years, concentrating on core services such as lane swimming, aquatic sports, learn‑to‑swim programmes, hydrotherapy, and general recreational use. This streamlined approach seeks to meet community needs while controlling expenditure.
Memorial Pool Demolition and Living Memorial Concerns
Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular voiced strong reservations about demolishing the existing Memorial Park pool, which closed permanently at Easter. She emphasized that the pool functions as a living memorial to New Zealand soldiers who served in World War II. Council staff acknowledged the sensitivity and noted opportunities to embed that history into the new development. Consequently, councillors agreed to allocate $4 million for decommissioning the old pool, undertaking detailed design, and securing consents, with a explicit requirement that the new design acknowledge the existing memorial and extend recognition to veterans of all New Zealand conflicts. The council will revisit the design, costs, and long‑term funding implications in September as part of broader long‑term plan deliberations.
Baypark Sports Hub Progress
Councillors also endorsed moving ahead with plans to expand the Baypark arena into a larger sports hub. This initiative includes relocating Tauranga Netball from Blake Park to a new multisport centre at Baypark, alongside upgrades to site access, parking, and surrounding infrastructure. The netball facility alone is now estimated at $15.56 million, an increase from the July figure of $15.35 million, with an additional $3.8 million earmarked for risk and contingency. The TECT Community Fund has pledged $2 million toward the project. Staff attributed the cost rise to more detailed design work and a clearer understanding of site conditions, including ground stability, infrastructure requirements, and construction methods.
Toilet Block Controversy and Calls for Savings
Mayor Mahé Drysdale expressed frustration over the projected cost of a proposed toilet block—two accessible toilets and two regular toilets priced at $350,000. He remarked, “Pay me $350,000 and I’ll build you four toilets, and I’ll have a very nice profit on the back of it as well,” arguing that such expenditure undermines confidence in the overall budget, especially amid tight financial constraints. Drysdale urged staff to identify savings without trimming project scope. In response, officials indicated that further refinement could yield savings as designs advance, though significant cuts might necessitate scope alterations. Councillors consequently requested updated budgets and more detailed financial modelling before committing to final figures.
Badminton Funding Debate
The council also examined funding for a new $16 million Badminton Multisport Centre slated for Tatua Reserve, land earmarked in 2020. Despite appeals to increase the council’s contribution to accelerate construction, members decided to retain the previously committed $5 million. Staff warned that without additional funding the project could face lengthy delays or possibly not proceed at all. A motion to raise the council’s share to $6 million resulted in a tied vote and thus failed. Councillor Jen Scoular noted that any extra commitment must be accompanied by a clear understanding of the financial impact, and further details will be resolved at a later meeting.
Balancing Priorities Across Sports
Glen Crowther, the Matua‑Ōtūmoetai ward councillor, stressed the importance of equitable investment across different sporting codes, warning against favouring swimmers at the expense of badminton or netball participants. Steve Morris of Pāpāmoa echoed this sentiment, observing that achieving the right balance is challenging without a complete financial picture. He highlighted the intense budgetary pressure facing the council. Despite these concerns, councillors broadly endorsed the direction of the projects, agreeing that new facilities are essential to keep pace with Tauranga’s population growth and to provide residents with contemporary, accessible sport and recreation options.
Journalistic Note
This report was produced by Ayla Yeoman, a Local Democracy Reporting journalist based in Tauranga, working under the co‑funded initiative of RNZ and NZ On Air. Yeoman holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications, politics, and international relations from the University of Auckland and has been active in journalism since 2022.