Back on the water ball at Taiora QEII

Water polo is back making a splash at the Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport Centre.

A recent invitational tournament at the centre marked the return of the sport to QEII Park after a long, earthquake-enforced break.

Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox says it is the first time the city has hosted a water polo tournament featuring North Island teams since the 2011 earthquakes.

“Pre-earthquake, there were two strong water polo clubs in Christchurch,” Mr Cox says.

Water polo is powering back in Christchurch.

“However, these clubs have been affected because of the limited pool space.

“It is great to see the sport back in action, particularly at the new Taiora QEII Centre where water polo has been such a focal point.

“Water polo has certainly powered back recently as players have navigated late evening time slots and shallow pools to hone their skills in preparation for a return to the bigger pools.

“QEII now provides water sports enthusiasts with the opportunity to grow after a tough period.”

Teams from Auckland – with 35 players – to Christchurch took part in this month’s invitational tournament held at both QEII and Jellie Park.

“With the Metro Sports facility on the horizon, the development of multiple sports, such as water polo, is vital,” Mr Cox says.

Canterbury Water Polo chairman Lachie Marshall says the organisation is delighted to have another deep-water space to use with the opening of QEII.

“It will make a big difference, particularly with training,” he says.

“We welcome the return of QEII as we have been waiting a long time for the facility.”

Meanwhile, people living in Christchurch’s east are embracing the new Taiora QEII centre. Pool admissions hit nearly 42,000 within the first month of opening, not including spectators.

Mr Cox says Taiora QEII has more than lived up to expectations.

“City residents are certainly making the most of one of the city’s best and brightest facilities,” he says.

From 31 May to 27 June, there have been 41,808 visits to the new pools, while 5488 admissions have been recorded for the fitness facilities.

Of the pool admissions, 16,236 have been family groups and preschoolers.

The centre’s Swim Education Programme is also in demand, with 648 registrations and daily requests for spots.

“The free skills assessments are also proving very popular, ensuring that children enter the swim programme at the appropriate level,” Mr Cox says.

Meanwhile, 1815 people have taken part in group fitness classes in the first month, averaging 16 people per class.

“We are already seeing an increase in numbers at the fitness classes,” Mr Cox says. “A recent special Zumba Masterclass attracted 70 people and that number was not included in the overall attendance figure.

“With the school holidays under way, we are gearing up for an extremely busy – and fun-packed – July at Taiora.”