A new era for Auckland’s pools and leisure centres begins

A new era begins this month for Auckland’s pools and leisure centre network.

From 1 April 2025, two established service partners will continue to operate Auckland Council’s 20 outsourced pools and leisure centres under new management contracts. Community Leisure Management (CLM) will now operate 13 centres, including five summer pools, and YMCA North Incorporated (The Y) will manage seven centres.

Current services and programmes will continue as usual at the five centres changing to a new contracted service partner. All pools operated by the council and our service partners provide free swimming for children 16-years-and-under following its introduction at Mt Albert Aquatic Centre.*

This follows a decision by the council’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee last October to award contracts to CLM and The Y.

Arvid Ditchburn, General Manager for Pools and Leisure says continuing to provide excellent options for Aucklanders to swim and be active is top of mind for Auckland Council.

“The council is excited that 20 of our key pools and leisure centre sites will be operated by two outstanding providers."

“Our pool and leisure centres provide places for Aucklanders to relax, be active and get fit, and connect.

“CLM and The Y both have a history of providing first class pool and leisure services for Aucklanders and we know they’ll run the centres professionally and to an extremely high standard for years to come."

The Y will operate the following facilities: Glen Innes Pool and Leisure Centre; Lagoon Stadium; Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre; Sir William Jordan Recreation Centre; Onehunga War Memorial Pool and Leisure Centre; Ellerslie Recreation Centre and Massey Leisure Centre.

Rebecca Russell, CEO of The Y says “We share Auckland Council's vision to enhance the wellbeing of all Aucklanders, and we're excited to work alongside Auckland Council and CLM to create spaces where Aucklanders can move, connect and thrive. This goes beyond fitness, recreation and aquatics, it's about fostering whanaungatanga and building strong, vibrant communities for years to come”

CLM will operate: Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre; Massey Park Pool; Papakura Leisure Centre; Whiteside Pool; Jubilee Pool; Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre; Cameron Pool and Leisure Centre; Lynfield Youth and Leisure Centre; Mt Albert Aquatic Centre; Mt Albert Community and Leisure Centre; Parnell Baths; Point Erin Pool; Grey Lynn Paddling Pool. 

Craig Carter, CEO of CLM says “We are excited to get started and through partnering with both Auckland Council and The Y we can make a real difference to the lives of our communities through safe, fun, and enjoyable leisure and wellbeing experiences. This unique partnership approach puts Aucklanders at the centre of everything we do which can only have significant benefits for our city.”

Auckland Council owns 43 pools and leisure centres across the region. Twenty centres are outsourced, one facility is operated under a lease arrangement (The Olympic, Newmarket) and 22 are operated by the council.

*The Olympic does not offer free 16-and-under swimming.

Please visit the Auckland Council website to see the locations of all our pool and leisure centres.