The Ida MacDonald Roxburgh Pool Punawai Ora committee has voted to vest the pool to the Central Otago District Council, with the handover set for July 1.

At a special meeting in Roxburgh on Thursday, May 22, the committee cited ongoing staffing and financial challenges as the main reasons behind the decision. These issues were also highlighted during Council’s 2025–34 Long-Term Plan (LTP) consultation.

Ten attended the pool committee meeting. The vote passed with eight in favour and two against.

Three members of the Teviot Valley Community Board, Deputy Chair Mark Jessop, Gill Booth and Curtis Pannett were also present.

Deputy Chair Rick Kristel said the decision was made with community wellbeing in mind.

“We focused on swimmer safety and ensuring the pool remains open and accessible. The liability risks and the need for compliance made Council ownership the most viable option,”

During the LTP consultation, Central Otago residents were asked whether Council should take on pool management to ensure long-term sustainability. Council deliberations were held on Wednesday, May 21.

Option A: supporting Council ownership was selected by 64.8 per cent of respondents. 

Option B: opposing Council involvement received 35.2 per cent support. 

While many felt Council ownership would provide stability and wider access, others expressed concerns about losing community control and facing potential rate increases.

Teviot Valley Community Board Chair Norm Dalley, who also spoke during Council’s public forum, said the board initially supported the proposal's inclusion in the Long term plan (LTP) but later felt the community had not been fully heard.

“We don’t believe it’s in the community’s best interest to divest the pool. The new committee needed more time to consider alternatives,” Dalley said.

Councillors agreed the pool committee needed to make the final call, allowing Council to proceed with planning and rate setting. As a result, the committee was given until Monday, May 26 to confirm its decision.

The official transition to Council ownership will take place on July 1, marking a new chapter for the community facility.