24 Apr 2025

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They grow up so fast – Matatiki Hornby Centre celebrated its first birthday last week, and the figures show it’s had a bumper year.

Christchurch City Council’s popular pool and library facility opened on 19 April 2024 to serve the growing population in southwest Christchurch, and in that time has attracted nearly half a million people through its doors.  

“All through its development, the Council’s vision for Matatiki was for it to be a focal point for the entire community, a home away from home for many – and in a very short space of time, that’s what it’s become,” says Carolyn Robertson, Head of Libraries and Information.

“In the 12 months since it opened, Matatiki has welcomed more than 462,000 visitors. 

“The library has been getting lots of positive feedback about the spaces and creative technologies we offer, the collection of items, and the all-ages programme of activities – we’ve just added Mahjong to the list, and it’s proven very popular with the Hornby community.”

On the recreation and sport side of things, the pools have:  

Attracted 5765 participants in various aquatic classes, and more than 800 new enrolments in the Swimsmart programme.

Been home to regular groups practising swim training, artistic swimming training, dive training, school groups and water polo.

Hosted five community pool parties in collaboration with Youth & Cultural Development.

“The Thursday women’s sessions in the pool offer a female-only environment, to encourage all women and girls to feel more confident in our pools, and has had an overwhelmingly positive reception,” says Nigel Cox, Head of Recreation, Sports and Events.

“The hydrotherapy pool has been a huge win for the community – the aqua gentle classes have been at capacity, offering a fun low-intensity workout option, particularly for those who need physiotherapy or rehabilitation.”

The building’s meeting rooms have played host to 21 birthday parties and more than 280 bookings by community group and local businesses.

Matatiki Hornby Centre is located at 25 Smarts Road, in Kyle Park. Learn more about Matatiki Hornby Centre.