Katikati’s Dave Hume Pool has been recognised on the national stage, receiving a Merit Award in the Aquatic Facility of the Year category at Recreation Aotearoa’s annual Aquatics Awards.

The award celebrates excellence in aquatic facility design, operation and community impact, and acknowledges the partnership between Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay Venues and the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust.

The pool was one of four finalists in the category, which was ultimately won by the University of Auckland’s $320 million Hiwa Recreation Centre.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said the award reflected years of dedication from the Katikati community and the organisations that worked together to secure the facility’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.”

The recognition follows a $2.5m upgrade in which the main 33.3m pool was reconfigured into a 25m pool and a new 7m learn-to-swim pool, allowing for warmer water temperatures and an extended operating season.

Other improvements included the installation of a disability hoist, a safer sand filtration system, relined pools, refurbished changing rooms and reception areas, and a new outdoor fitness area.

Funding came from council budgets alongside support from the Dave Hume Pool Trust, which contributed $65,000, and a further $655,000 from external funders including TECT, the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board and the Lions Club of Katikati.

Since reopening under Bay Venues management at the end of last year, the facility has achieved PoolSafe accreditation for the first time and recorded strong participation in programmes including Learn to Swim, Aquafit and community activities.

Nearly 5000 visits were recorded during the extended May-June operating period.

Bay Venues head of aquatics Matthew Strange said the recognition reflected both the quality of the upgraded facility and the collaboration 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.”

The award also recognised the contribution of the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust and its volunteers, who spent more than a decade fundraising, consulting with residents and advocating for the pool’s future.

Trust chair Barbara Martin described the award as a proud moment after years of hard work.

“This has been a long journey for the trust and the community, but people kept showing up and supporting the vision,” Martin said.

“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.”

Dave Hume Pool assistant aquatic manager Nora Moeke said the facility’s community focus remained one of its greatest strengths.

“We know many of our regular users by name, and locals often bring in avocados, limes and persimmons from home.

“That warmth helps the pool feel safe, welcoming and genuinely local.”

Dave Hume Pool aquatic supervisor Kalya Kusumadi (left), 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.

Bay Venues also enjoyed further success at the awards, with aquatic operations manager Mike Page named Aquatics Leader of the Year and the organisation’s “Sup Bro” staff engagement programme receiving a Merit Award for Aquatic Innovation – Operations.

Staff also presented at the national conference on topics including training, innovation, emergency response management, accessibility and inclusion, while a Bay Venues team competed in the National Pool Lifeguard Competition, including representatives from both Dave Hume Pool and Te Puke Memorial Pool.