Visit Katikati’s newly upgraded pools this summer

Jordan Nicholson and Bella Bryant both learned to swim at Katikati’s Dave Hume Pool. 

This summer, they’re both working at the upgraded facility and are excited to be giving back to the community they grew up in.

“Your heart feels quite content when you’re working for your community,” Jordan says. 

The Katikati community pool opened for the 2025/26 summer season on Monday 22 December, with a new learn to swim pool, outdoor gym and a fresh line-up of classes and activities.

The main 33.3m pool has been reconfigured to create two pools – a 25m pool and a new 7m learn to swim pool, which will run at a warmer temperature and enable the pools to stay open for longer, from October until July each year.

Bay Venues is now managing Dave Hume Pool on behalf of Western Bay of Plenty District Council and fun community events and family days are planned for this summer, including a pool party in late January.

A range of new BaySwim classes will also be launching in early 2026.

Jordan and Bella are part of Dave Hume Pool team for the new season – Jordan is starting her first season at the pool, while Bella is back for her fourth. 

Jordan grew up in Katikati and has fond memories of the community she grew up in. 

Like many young people she was drawn to travel and headed off for Canada and the United Kingdom at age 19. Now 23, and having returned to her home town in August, she’s also returning to Dave Hume Pool where she’ll take on a new role as a lifeguard and aquatic shift leader.

“Dave Hume was where I learned to swim when I was super young. I started taking lessons at the pool when I was 5, then I trained with Surf Life Saving and Dave Hume was our base,” Jordan says.

Bella has worked at Dave Hume Pool for three seasons now and is back for her fourth.

She also grew up in Katikati and spent many long hot days swimming at Dave Hume Pool with her friends, family and her school.

“I learned how to swim there, and I enjoy the community feel and knowing everyone’s names,” Bella says.

The 20-year-old is excited to be working at her local pool again this summer.

“I feel like it’s a sense of giving back in a way. I like keeping a connection to the community and seeing everyone.”

Nora Moeke, who is leading Dave Hume Pool as the Assistant Aquatic Manager, is equally excited for the new season. 

She says she's ready to connect with the community and dive into the rich history of the pool and its people.

As part of this year’s upgrades, a disability hoist has been added to the main pool to improve accessibility, all the pools have been relined, a new and safer sand filtration system has been installed, and the changing rooms and reception areas have been refurbished.

An outdoor fitness area has also been created to provide wellness opportunities. It is the first location outside of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to have this leading-edge equipment.

A blessing and ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday 17 December, ahead of Monday’s 10am opening, attended by tangata whenua from Te Rereatukahia Marae, Western Bay Mayor James Denyer, Council staff, as well as representatives from Bay Venues and Dave Hume Pool Trust. 

Mayor James Denyer says the upgraded pool complex reflects years of hard work and a shared commitment to investing in Katikati’s future.

“Seeing this upgrade come to life is a real win for Katikati. This is a space where people of all ages can come together, stay active, learn new skills and simply enjoy being part of a community. It’s great to see local passion and long-term vision turning into something that will benefit families for years to come.”

Janine Field, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Reserves and Facilities Assets Manager, says it has been a privilege to be involved in the project and thanked the Dave Hume Pool Trust for their vision and determination.

“I want to acknowledge the Trust’s 30 years of volunteer dedication. I’m sure the community will enjoy the upgraded facilities – a place to have fun, improve your health, be included, and for tamariki to learn to swim safely.”

For more information about Dave Hume Pool including opening hours, entry prices, birthday parties, memberships and more, you can visit the website here.