Timeline

Demolition is well underway, with all concrete surfaces in the outdoor areas having been removed. We've started dismantling the plant room, and the ceilings in the changing rooms have been removed so insulation can be installed.

Once the demolition work is finished, we'll start building the bulkhead in the pool.

All the excavation and demolition work is finished, and the pipe work is well underway.

And we've finished putting the insulation and ceilings into the reception area and changing rooms.

Next up, we'll be starting on the blockwork for the bulkhead, pressure testing the pipes and installing a new injection bore to return used geothermal to the underground water supply.

There's plenty happening on site, with work on track to be completed in time for the summer holidays. Here's what we've been up to lately:

• Sand filters are in place in the plant room
• Pressure testing of pipes completed - and passed
• Concrete surfaces are being reinstated
• The reinject bore is underway
• The pool liner and gutter system are on their way from Italy

Next up, we'll be connecting underground pipes to the sand filters, removing the office cabinets and recycling them into the new staff room, and building the bulkhead.

Reinstatement of the site and the new concrete surfaces is progressing well.

Works for the reinject bore is underway - this means water taken from the geothermal aquifer is returned, which is a great outcome for the sustainability of this aquafer and the environment.

New sand filters in the plant room.

We're nearing the finishing line, with eight contractors on site this week, putting in the mahi to make sure the upgraded pools are ready for the summer season. Here's what we've achieved so far:

• All sand filters and the heater exchanger are installed with 90% of the pipe work completed
• The new gutter systems and pool surrounds have been concreted, along with the floor of the new learn to swim pool - this means deeper pools, with the main 25m lap pool now 1.35-1.2m deep and the new learn to swim pool 1.1m deep
• Bulkhead is in place
• Most of the new landscaping has been done - with a new, fresh 'tropical vibe', including palms at the end of the main pool
• Pool liner in the old learn to swim pool is completed and pool filled with water
• New geothermal discharge bore is completed, which means we will now be putting the water we use for heating the pools back into the aquifer, to restore the aquifer's water levels and reduce the impact on it
• Finishing of the new resource consent for the geothermal discharge bore

Next up, we'll be:

• Painting the exterior buildings and the last of the changing rooms
• Installing the new outdoor gym
• Putting in the pool liner for the 25m lap pool and new learn to swim pool
• Hydroseeding of the grounds
• Putting the shade sails back up
• Repairing the old concrete nib around the pool

Concrete being poured

Tropical landscaping 

New outdoor gym space 

The old learn to swim pool is fully lined and ready

The new bulkhead to create the 25m lap pool and new learn to swim pool

We're almost ready to open the gate and welcome everyone back, with the pools scheduled to open 10am, Monday 22 December!

A blessing and ribbon cutting were held this week, ahead of Monday's opening, attended by tangata whenua from Te Rereatukahia Marae, Mayor James Denyer, Council staff, and representatives from Bay Venues, Dave Hume Pool Trust, Filtration and Pumping Commercial (FPC), Beca and Veros.

"Seeing the upgrade come to life is a real win for Katikati. This is a space where people of all ages can come together, stay active, learn new skills and simply enjoy being part of a community. It's great to see local passion and long-term vision turning into something that will benefit families for years to come," says Mayor James.

Read more here.

Fun community events and family days are planned for the summer, including a pool party in late January. A range of BaySwim classes will also be launched in early 2026. For more information visit the Dave Hume Pool website and Facebook page.