HOT HOT POOL ENTRY PRICES

Brian from New Brighton

On the 13th March the Christchurch City Council will set the charges for the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools up to the finalisation of the 2020/21 Financial Plan about mid year.

If the Council approve the prices next week (as outline below) at its meeting, that is what you pay when you visit April 4th on the big opening.

He Puna Taimoana includes: five outdoor pools ranging in temperature for year-round use, small cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room, onsite café serving hot pool and beachside customers, reception/retail area, and change facilities.

This pricing schedule may or may not be changed when the Financial Plan is confirmed in a few months.

A great deal of research has gone into settling on the prices and if they had been $2 lower for instance, more people would be attracted leading to over crowding and queuing resulting in negative feedback. Noting that a maximum of 172 people can be accommodated in the five pools at any one time, and up to 383 people in the facility (including spectators).

Furthermore the operating budget would be in deficit and ratepayers would have to stump up the difference between that cost and income. A deficit is likely to exist on the basis of the recommended prices, however that may or may not be a long term issue.

If the entry prices were $2 dearer then it creates the danger of a barrier to the local community and will not help the flow on into the Mall with reduced attendance.

So to SUMMARISE it means:

* Reduced entry fees for residents of Christchurch.

* Concession cards, monthly and annual membership options to recognise the value of regular users by reducing the price of entry. For example, purchasing a monthly pass for $54 and attending three times a week equates to an entry fee of $4.50 per visit.

* Same day return passes to encourage people to stay and enjoy the attractions within New Brighton.

* Additional opportunities will be created as part of special events and offers to surprise and delight locals.

* This pricing will assist with the differentiation between He Puna Taimoana and other Christchurch City Council owned Recreation and Sport Centres.

* Once a pattern has been established down the track, the Council or Private managers of the Pools will have the ability adjust to the demands of the customers.

DEFINITIONS

Resident Card – available to Christchurch City Council residents
Child – Under 16 years or with a Cando high school student identification card
Concession – Community Services, KiwiAble Leisure and NZ SuperGold cardholders.
Small Group – 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children

Check out below the price comparison with other hot pools AND THE PRICING FOR HE PUNA TAIMOANA IS VERY REASONABLE

(Information also below for those really interested in some research about who is likely to try our hot pool experience).
This major foreshore investment will create a huge boost to the local economy.

THE PLAN MOVING FORWARD IS URGENT ACTION WITH THE DILAPIDATED MALL, ANYBODY WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT NEW BRIGHTON SHOULD BE MAKING A SUBMISSION TO THE DRAFT CITY COUNCIL FINANCIAL PLAN BEFORE THE CUT-OFF IN EARLY APRIL, REQUESTING SOME INVESTMENT INTO THE RETAIL AREA, PREFERABLY THE ORAM AV EXTENSION.