Facilities, New on the scene  |  19 Aug 2019

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuririri and Matapopore have gifted a special name – He Puna Taimoana – to the hot pools under development in New Brighton.

He Puna Taimoana is a modern name, reflecting the hot pools are part of the regeneration of New Brighton. The name, translated as “coastal pools” or “seaside pools”, reflects the location of the pools and surrounding environment. Families will enjoy beautiful sea views from the terraced pools, the blue ocean and its ever-changing colours. 

The name also reflects the indigenous plants and natural environment protecting the coastline.

In gifting the name, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuririri and Matapopore spokesperson Lynne Harata Te Aika noted: “Traditionally Maori were sea voyagers but also observers of the stars and natural environment. He Puna Taimoana will provide a family experience where fun and leisure become a reason to visit the pools and enjoy the outdoors and the Canterbury coastline.”

Work on the new hot pools development on the New Brighton foreshore is well underway. The pools will be open to the public early next year, marking another milestone in the planned regeneration of the seaside suburb. 

Development Christchurch Limited (DCL) is leading the regeneration on behalf of the Christchurch City Council. 

DCL Chief Executive Rob Hall says He Puna Taimoana will be a fantastic facility for the community and a regional attraction, drawing visitors from Canterbury, across New Zealand and around the world. 

“We are delighted to receive the gifted name, which reflects the special environment and family focused nature of the hot pools. This will be a facility for the whole community to enjoy and we expect it to draw visitors from across the country and around the world.”

He Puna Taimoana will include five pools of different temperatures, sauna, plunge pool and café for visitors to enjoy.

It is just one part of a wider project to regenerate New Brighton, attracting life and activity to the seaside suburb and boosting local businesses.

The Council has made a significant commitment to the regeneration of New Brighton, allocating $19.2 million to projects that will act as a catalyst to further development. This includes He Puna Taimoana, Christchurch Beachside Playground, coastal protection works and a contribution towards the surf club rebuild.

Work is also underway on improvements to public spaces and Marine Parade, along with opportunities to enhance the commercial centre and promote local businesses.