Whanganui Aquatics Network Plan

Date: August 2024 – February 2025 
Client: Whanganui District Council 

Project Description

This Plan was developed to guide the future provision of aquatic facilities in the Whanganui District. The Plan considers Whanganui District Council (WDC) facilities along with other facilities that could be available for community use.  

The investment required to develop, operate and maintain aquatic facilities is significant. Therefore, WDC needed to consider the best value for money option or options for aquatic provision moving forward. 

RSL’s Role

This Plan was informed by a range of inputs, including local, regional and national plans and strategies that consider aquatic provision, along with stakeholders including individuals, schools and community groups.  

This plan considered: 

• The current network of aquatic facilities  

• Current and potential future users of the aquatics network 

• How the provision of pool space compares to national guidelines 

• The type of pool space that is available to the community 

• Stakeholder feedback about the available pool network 

The Plan also identified that WDC, like many other operators of public swimming pools throughout New Zealand, is facing aquatic workforce challenges.  

Project Outcome

Several options were identified for the future aquatics network.