A Valentine’s Day picnic and swim at the Motueka Saltwater Baths has launched what is expected to be a pivotal year of fundraising for a proposed indoor aquatic facility in Motueka.
The event on Saturday, 14 February, hosted by the Motueka Aquatic Centre Fundraising Committee, marked the start of its 2026 campaign push.
“We wanted to celebrate the achievements of our community so far and look ahead to what we expect will be an important year for fundraising,” committee chair Ross Loveridge says.
“Like the Saltwater Baths, we see this facility being a significant icon for our region long into the future, and I’m really proud to see how our community is coming together to make this happen.”
More than $500,000 had been raised by Christmas last year, just three months after the project’s relaunch, with more donations coming in over summer. The current tally of $1.1 million is one quarter of the $4.4 million the community needs to contribute toward Tasman District Council’s total project budget of $20 million. The council has allocated $15.6 million in its 2024–34 Long Term Plan.
The Valentine’s Day celebration was supported by New World Motueka and Blissful Events. The fundraising committee is now preparing a series of activities to build momentum and secure the remaining funds in the months ahead.
Donations can be made at www.motuekaaquaticcentre.nz
