Gisborne District Council (New Zealand)

Kiwa Pools was conceived as a flagship aquatic and community wellbeing hub for the people of Tairāwhiti, Gisborne. Otium was engaged to undertake a comprehensive operational review and develop a future facility options feasibility study, with the goal of optimising financial performance, enhancing community outcomes, and guiding sustainable, staged investment for the long-term future of Kiwa Pools and its precinct.

• Comprehensive operational and financial review, benchmarking against national and international best practice.
• Development of a robust, staged feasibility study, including 30-year financial benefits modelling.
• Strategic advice on governance, management, and asset planning.
• Facilitation of deep stakeholder and mana whenua engagement.
• Implementation support for operational improvements and transition to in-house service delivery.

• The operational review identified and implemented key operational improvements which led to enhanced customer experience and improved cost recovery without compromising community access.
• The feasibility study delivered a staged roadmap for future investment. Each scenario was supported by detailed spatial overlays, cost estimates, and benefits modelling, ensuring Council could make informed, future-proofed decisions.

• The project faced the challenge of balancing a region with high socio-economic deprivation and a young, diverse population with cost recovery.
• Embedding the local Māori narrative was central to the project’s success. Otium worked in partnership with mana whenua to ensure facility design, programming and storytelling authentically reflected the region’s identity.
• Otium’s process was underpinned by deep engagement with Council, staff, user groups and the wider community. This collaborative approach ensured that all voices were heard and that solutions were both ambitious and grounded in local realities.

• The revitalised outdoor areas provide safe and fun leisure and recreation opportunities for people of all ages.
• An enhanced operating model ensures that prices are kept at a minimum to promote community access.