Steady streams of grassroots fundraising are flowing towards the goal of bringing the Motueka aquatic centre to life, with community-led efforts continuing to build momentum across the region.
Some are trickles and others torrents, and the pool committee says the growing wave of support is swelling coffers and strengthening local backing for the long-awaited project.
“Our community has truly taken our ‘pool together’ call to heart,” committee chair Ross Loveridge says. “This is collective effort in action, and it’s bringing us closer every day.”
The community needs to raise $4.4 million towards the project, about 22% of the total build cost, in line with Tasman District Council’s community facilities funding policy.
Recently, residents at Woodlands Retirement Living hosted a housie afternoon, raising more than $400. The event also gave the committee an opportunity to share project updates, with a series of ‘Count Me In’ photos taken to visually showcase support.
The Motueka Lions Club has pledged more than $200,000, with plans to build on that contribution through profits from its annual fertiliser and potato sales.
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Motueka has committed to the aquatic centre as its main fundraising cause. Its mid-March Ambrose Golf Tournament delivered $15,000, with a second tournament set to contribute a further $17,000 in the coming weeks.
Motueka State Cinema has also lent its support, raising $700 from a recent Solo Mio screening.
Upcoming fundraisers include a Mitre 10 sausage sizzle on Sunday, 12 April, and the annual baking, preserves and craft stall outside New World Motueka on Thursday, 16 April.
Both the Motueka and Golden Bay community boards have formally expressed their support through written letters, and Ross is encouraging other groups to do the same.
He says this is “just the tip of the iceberg”.
“Alongside all the incredible community-led fundraising activity, we’ve also seen a steady flow of donations from individuals, families and businesses who want to see this project succeed.”
Some of those contributions are in the tens of thousands.
An upcoming Guardian story will explore the aquatic centre’s proposed building and operating costs, including where the money is coming from, the impact on rates and the current campaign total.
