It’s like using the neighbour’s pool, all summer long.

That’s the exciting reality for Te Atatū residents with the opening of Rutherford College’s school pool over the summer months. The pool opened to the community just prior to Christmas, with a gold coin entry.

Supported by Sport Waitākere, the initiative is part of the West Auckland Community Access Scheme, designed to enable the wider use of school facilities outside of school hours. The ultimate aim of the scheme is to offer more opportunities for the local community to access sport and recreation experiences.

Swimming lessons have also been offered at the pool, taught by former World Olympic swimmer Lauren Boyle, who was recently appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2020 New Year Honours, for services to swimming. The small group swimming lessons cater for 9-15 year olds across beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

The process to open the Rutherford College pool to the public has involved a number of partners working alongside Sport Waitākere and the school, including Auckland Council and Drowning Prevention Auckland, which assisted with the training of lifeguards to staff the pool.

Prior to the opening, there was extensive community consultation to assess interest in public use of the pool, followed by several months’ preparation to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Community fundraising via a Givealittle page contributed the funding necessary to meet the safety regulations, which included the purchase of emergency and first aid equipment required for the pool lifeguards. 

Response to the pool opening has been extremely positive. “We absolutely need this for our community,” wrote one supporter on the Givealittle fundraising page.

Sport Waitākere Community Access Scheme Project Manager, Deepika Unka, says the initiative is a great showcase of what can be achieved through community partnership.

“We have been thrilled to work alongside Rutherford College, in particular Gill Bloxham – Director of Sport, and all partners to see this become a reality. The Rutherford College pool has been a fantastic asset for the school for many years and it’s great to see it now make swimming a summer reality for more families in the local community.”

For full details about the opening date, hours of operation, and conditions of use please visit the Rutherford College Sports Facebook page.