Napier’s first citizens’ assembly, ‘Napier in a room’ has made its recommendations on the future Napier Aquatic Centre, setting a clear direction for further conversations with the wider community.
The citizens’ assembly of 40 residents has met four times over the past four weeks, hearing from a range of pool users, aquatic facility subject matter experts and council staff on what type of facility and location would best meet the needs, values and priorities of the local community.
Mayor, Kirsten Wise said the assembly’s recommendations were an invaluable starting point in the journey towards a new pool for Napier. In her closing remarks, she told participants:
“What is built from this Assembly’s recommendations will be imbued with the sense of community and connection that you all embody… its foundations will also be infused by your generosity in giving your time, energy and intelligence to this endeavour,” she said.
The Assembly says accessibility in all forms is a priority, including considerations for the disabled community, as well as financial accessibility and ensuring a broad range of transport options to the location.
Assembly participants spoke on the experience calling it “information overload” but also “hugely rewarding.”
“It’s been fascinating, interesting conversations with great people from all walks of life,” said one participant.
Another said it was an empowering opportunity to be part of council engaging with its community.
“It’s an important part of the democratic process, a great way to deal with a complex issue.”
In the first session of the Assembly, participants heard that the water sports community was well-catered for in Napier and Hastings, but there is a lack of water recreation space. The Assembly has therefore recommended that Napier’s new aquatic facility should focus on leisure and wellbeing needs.
The Assembly did not specify a recommended location, after agreeing that the available information wasn’t detailed enough to identify specific sites. Instead, it agreed on the type of location needed for the aquatic facility. This includes being close to schools, sports groups, and high-density residential areas, with safe transport options.
Council’s promise to the Assembly is to incorporate its recommendations on sites into planning, subject to confirmation of their feasibility. It has also promised to keep the cost of the new aquatic facility in the Long Term Plan budget from 2027 and to use the Assembly’s advice to inform the design brief and desired community outcomes.
