The Swim Zone Matamata pool roofing structure, and various other parts of the sports centre, are at risk in an earthquake. Earthquake-prone buildings are defined as having a New Building Standard score of less than 33% of design requirements and the facility has areas ranging between 25% and 30%. The scores are -

• Indoor pool – 30%
• Fitness area – 25%
• Squash – 30%

After being made aware of the risk with the indoor pool structure, we assessed the level of compliance across the rest of the facility. Other areas were also found wanting, and what started out as a $1.5 million project to carry out the scheduled pool roof replacement quickly escalated into a project that would cost between $3 million to $6 million to fix.

New Zealand engineers developed a seismic building rating system for existing buildings known as NBS (New Building Standard). It defines the assessment of existing buildings for earthquake loads across New Zealand, following the Canterbury earthquakes. It is now also a key part of the recently passed Building (Earthquake – prone) Buildings Amendment Act 2016 which has the purpose of identifying the most seismically vulnerable buildings throughout New Zealand.

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There is an objective in New Zealand law for the seismic performance of all buildings to be gradually raised to at least a minimum standard. This minimum standard has been defined using the NBS rating system as >33%NBS.

The indoor pool, spa and changing rooms were initially closed while an urgent solution was found. We removed the indoor pool roofing structure, and it has been operating as an outdoor pool since January 2022.

FitZone moved to new premises at the start of August 2021. We are currently looking into whether removing the indoor pool roof will improve the National Building Standards score for the squash area. A detailed seismic assessment is taking place and we expect to have the findings by mid 2022, and will continue to work with the squash club to explore the options.

All of our facilities have a useful life and are managed and budgeted for accordingly, for example, a pool generally has a useful life of about 50 years after which we would expect to replace it.

The indoor pool roof was completed in the late 1980s and while it has performed well in a harsh environment, it was identified in our maintenance planning as being due for replacement in 2021. While the roof replacement had been budgeted for, the assessment prior to carrying out this work unexpectedly revealed the entire roof support system needed replacing - from the foundations up.

This situation is challenging because we are having to balance the legal requirements with our moral obligations. Legally, if a building is found to be a priority (or high risk) building after detailed seismic assessments then the owner has 12 years to carry out improvements. This timeframe would suggest we could continue to operate a facility as normal, however, we believe the community would expect public buildings to be compliant.

We are seeking a second opinion, although we believe it is sensible to take a cautious approach with any Council owned and operated public facilities.

This situation is challenging because we are having to balance the legal requirements with our moral obligations. Legally, if a building is found to be a priority (or high risk) building after detailed seismic assessments then the owner has 12 years to carry out improvements. This timeframe would suggest we could continue to operate a facility as normal, however, we believe the community would expect public buildings to be compliant.

We acted quickly to close the indoor pool due to the deteriorating roofing structure also being found to be earthquake prone. The two factors together presented an unacceptable risk. While the roof over the squash club and fitness area was also found to be earthquake prone it is not showing signs of failure.

We are conscious that other organisations are affected by this. A squash club and swim school continue to operate from the facility and we do not want them to close as result of this. The Laing Swim School’s learn to swim programme has been affected and we are continuing to look at ways we can help. Investigations are also underway to find out if removing the indoor pool roof will help reduce the risk level for the rest of the facility’s structure, and if any strengthening can be done to improve the squash area.

These are not long term options but are intended to give the squash club time to make decisions about their future. The gym could relocate quite quickly and moved out at the end of July 2021, but we are mindful that squash requires a purpose built facility and we are working with the club to consider its options.

The heated outdoor pool normally operates throughout the winter months but we have also filled and heated the dive pool. While the outdoor pool usually sits around 28 degrees for the comfort of those wanting to train, the dive pool is a cosy 29 degrees and this is where our aqua classes and swim school are being held.

It can be a challenge maintaining those temperatures but the Swim Zone Matamata team are constantly monitoring this so pool users enjoy their experience. The outdoor changing rooms are also in use and are heated.

To fix the roofing structure issue will require a significant investment and it has prompted us to ask if we should spend that amount of money on a facility that’s coming to the end of its life. The life of a pool would typically be about 50 years and that means the pool tanks only have about another 10 years.

It is possible to extend the life of an asset but over time things change, like building standards and peoples expectations. The expected function of a facility is as much a driver in determining end of life as the condition of the asset, or in this case the pool. While it has served the community well, the Matamata indoor pool is not able to provide the same experience as other modern pools. The outdoor dive and toddler pools are the oldest in the facility and this has also led us to look at what is needed in the longer term. Whatever we do to address the current issue is going to require a big investment and we need to weigh up all of the options.

To gather information and assess the options will take time, and we want the community to be involved as we work through what the future is for Swim Zone Matamata. Realistically we could be without a dedicated indoor pool for at least a few years but we are committed to providing an all year swimming option for the community.