NZCT grants $75k to Rangitīkei District Council for Marton Swim Centre
Work on repairing and upgrading Marton Swim Centre is scheduled to start on June 10. Photo / Rangitikei District Council
Rangitīkei District Council has received $75,000 from the New Zealand Community Trust for the Marton Swim Centre project.
NZ Community Trust (NZCT) general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges hoped the grant would contribute to the remediation works and ensure the facility could reopen to meet long-term community needs.
“Facilities like this are essential for community wellbeing, giving people a place to stay active and learn important life skills,” he said.
“NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnership we share with the Club Hotel Marton via their host responsible gaming lounge.”
Construction on the swim centre is expected to start on June 10.
The estimated $6 million project includes repairs to the roof and facility upgrades after the roof partially collapsed in August 2024.
Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson said the grant was fantastic news for all involved.
“I commend the efforts that our staff have done to make such a strong application to NZCT,” he said.
“This money is a huge help for the Marton Swim Centre project and getting the facility open again for 2027. I know that many of our residents can’t wait to go swimming again.”
The swim centre is operated by Community Leisure Management (CLM) and its closure disrupted services and reduced access to swimming for the wider community.
CLM aquatic manager Lyden Noakes said the grant would help to provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for the community.
“From our parents and babies enjoying their first water experiences in baby classes, to preschool and school-aged children learning essential swimming and water safety skills, this facility supports all stages of life,” Noakes said.
“It also enables our masters swimmers to train, our older community members to stay active through aqua aerobics and water walking, and our families to enjoy a fun and affordable day out together.”
Deputy Mayor Dave Wilson told the Chronicle the NZCT funding was not related to the “significant” funding contribution from a private organisation secured by the council in April.
The grant is part of the council’s external funding sources.
Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.