From left, Dave Hume Pool Aquatic Supervisor Kalya Kusumadi, Bay Venues Head of Aquatics Matthew Strange, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Reserves and Facilities Assets Manager Janine Field, Te Puke Memorial Pool Aquatic Supervisor Daniel Kingsbeer, and Bay Venues Aquatic Operations Manager Mike Page.
Katikati's Dave Hume Pool has received national recognition at Recreation Aotearoa's annual Aquatics Awards, taking home a Merit Award in the Aquatic Facility of the Year category.
The award recognises excellence in facility design, operation and community impact, and acknowledges the successful partnership between Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay Venues and the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust.
The Aquatics Awards celebrate the facilities, programmes and people helping create safe, inclusive and inspiring aquatic experiences in communities across New Zealand.
Dave Hume Pool was one of four finalists in the Aquatic Facility of the Year category, which was won by University of Auckland – Waipapa Tamata Rau for its $320 million Hiwa Recreation Centre.
Council’s Reserves and Facilities Manager Peter Watson says the award recognises years of commitment from the Katikati community and the organisations that came together to secure the pool's future.
"This is a fantastic result for Katikati and everyone who has supported Dave Hume Pool over the years. The community never stopped believing in the importance of this facility, and this award recognises what can be achieved when local passion is matched with strong partnerships and a shared vision,” says Peter.
“We're proud to see a project that was built around community needs being recognised on the national stage."
The award follows a $2.5 million upgrade which saw the main 33.3m pool reconfigured to create two pools – a 25m pool and a new 7m learn to swim pool, which runs at a warmer temperature and has meant the pools are able to stay open for an extended season.
A disability hoist was also added to the main pool to improve accessibility, all the pools were relined, a new and safer sand filtration system was installed, and the changing rooms and reception areas were refurbished.
An outdoor fitness area was also created to provide wellness opportunities, becoming the first public recreation facility in New Zealand to have this leading-edge equipment.
The improvements were funded through existing Council budgets, together with Dave Hume Pool Trust funding. The Trust contributed $65,000 from their own funds, and sourced a further $655,000 from external funders, TECT ($400,000), the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board ($250,000) and the Lions Club of Katikati ($5000).
The pools repoened at the end of last year under new operators, Bay Venues. Since then the facility has achieved PoolSafe accreditation for the first time and recorded strong participation across Learn to Swim, Aquafit and community programmes, attracting nearly 5000 visits during the extended May-June period.
Bay Venues Head of Aquatics Matthew Strange says the award reflects both the quality of the upgraded facility and the collaborative effort behind it
"What makes Dave Hume Pool special is that it remains a true community pool while benefiting from the expertise, systems and programmes that help it thrive. This recognition belongs to everyone who contributed to the journey, from the Trust and Council, to the staff and users who continue to make the pool such an important part of Katikati."
The award also recognises the contribution of the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust and its volunteers, who spent more than a decade fundraising, consulting with the community, operating the pool and advocating for its future.
Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust Chair Barbara Martin says the award was a proud moment after many years of hard work and determination.
"It's wonderful to see the pool recognised nationally. This has been a long journey for the Trust and the community, but people kept showing up and supporting the vision. This award is a tribute to everyone who worked to ensure it remains a place where people can connect, learn and stay active for generations to come."
Nora Moeke, who leads Dave Hume Pool as the Assistant Aquatic Manager, says the team knows regular users by name, and the relationships have become so familiar that locals bring in avocados, limes and persimmons from home.
“That warmth helps the pool feel safe, welcoming and genuinely local, especially for people who may need extra confidence or reassurance before walking through the door.”
Bay Venues won a further two national awards, both of which are directly linked to the daily operations of Dave Hume Pool and Te Puke Memorial Pool:
- Aquatics Leader of the Year was awarded to Bay Venues Aquatic Operations Manager Mike Page.
- A Merit Award for Aquatic Innovation – Operations was awarded to Bay Venues’ ‘Sup Bro’ initiative, a digital staff feedback programme designed to support and engage employees.
Members of the Bay Venues team were also guest speakers at the national conference, delivering presentations on staff training and development, innovation, emergency response management, and accessibility and inclusion.
Bay Venues also entered a team in the National Pool Lifeguard Competition, which included Kalya Kusumadi from Dave Hume Pool, and Daniel Kingsbeer from Te Puke Memorial Pool.
