Whau locals are being invited to cool off for free this summer, thanks to a community swimming initiative delivered in partnership with local schools and Whau Local Board.
Instead of heading to the beach or council pools, residents can enjoy free access to school swimming pools in their own neighbourhoods throughout January and on Saturdays in February.
The schools taking part in the free summer break swimming scheme are Blockhouse Bay Primary School, Avondale Intermediate, and Green Bay Primary School. Their pools are open to the Whau community, giving locals the chance to enjoy quality facilities right on their doorsteps.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas says the programme is an important step in providing accessible swimming options for the community.
“It’s important for locals to have free access to swimming pools in their neighbourhood during summer,” she says.
“There is no council-owned swimming pool in the Whau Local Board area. Our board has been working hard to find a long-term solution. In the meantime, we appreciate the opportunity to offer a short-term solution for our locals to enjoy some summer coolness with the protection of lifeguards on site.
“This year we’ve managed to have two more schools taking part compared with last year. We’re proud to increase availability into February with the pools open on Saturdays.
“I would like to thank all the participating schools and council staff for their support in making this happen.”
The initiative was first launched in 2023 after Avondale Intermediate and Waterview Primary School approached Auckland Council to seek guidance and support to open their pools to the community during the summer period.
Opening hours:
- 5–24 January: Monday–Saturday, 12–5pm (closed Sundays)
- February: Saturdays, 12–5pm
Lifeguards will be on site.
More free swimming in central west Auckland
Free summer break swimming is also available at Glen Eden Primary School, Auckland Normal Intermediate, Edendale Primary School, and Waterview Primary School in January, with pools open from noon to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and lifeguards operating on site.
Stay Connected
Sign up for the Whau Local Board E-news to get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month, and follow us on Facebook.