Sports and Aquatic

Project Details

Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness is a landmark community-driven project with a vision to revitalise the Naenae area and meet modern sustainability and design standards.

Positioned on a 15,800m² site, the 5,800m² build integrates innovative architectural elements with cultural significance, designed to honour the community's heritage.

The project presented several complex challenges that required strategic solutions. The site’s valley location exposed it to strong winds, affecting scheduling and safety. To meet Crown Infrastructure Partners’ (CIP) requirements, 80% of contractors were sourced locally, requiring careful resource coordination. Design complexity also played a role, particularly in integrating glulam beams into a pool environment, which had to be transported at 5am to minimise traffic disruption. Additionally, the specialised infrastructure needed for water treatment and structural integrity added further complexity to the build.

The 5 Green Star rated facility is the first aquatic centre in New Zealand to reach this milestone. Key sustainability features include:

• Recycled material use: 80% of demolition materials including 13,000 tonnes of scrap metal and concrete were recycled or reused.
• Eco-friendly materials: Glulam, a renewable timber material, was chosen for structural elements.
• Future-ready design: The facility is solar-ready, with EV chargers in the car park, prepared for future green energy adoption.

The community’s input was foundational to the design of Te Ngaengae, with its name—gifted by local iwi Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa—also honouring the area’s rich heritage:

• Cultural architecture: The roof symbolises an upturned waka, while a carved “pou whenua” at the entrances stands as Tāne, God of the Forest.
• Historical touches: Community requests led to the incorporation of glulam beams, reminiscent of the old Naenae pool’s curved roof, and the hydroslide’s stair tower is a tribute to the previous complex’s diving tower.
• Artistic features: Inside, the walls display "Nga Whetu" (The Stars) through a collection of woven stars, alongside traditional weaving patterns in the changing rooms and pillar designs inspired by Ara Moana.

Through local employment, training opportunities, and meaningful cultural connections, Te Ngaengae stands as a testament to community-led design and sustainable development done well.