Why We Started
We identified that there was a clear lack of pool space for schools, community and learn to swim in Wellington City
when compared with other cities. In 2000, an Auckland City Council survey noted that were 101 pools in the Auckland City boundaries. In 2010, a Wellington City Council report cited 11 ‘in use’ school pools and fewer than 20
pools in total in a similar sized area.
Over our children's schooling years there has been a demise of school pools in general and the retention of those that can be redeveloped for use over the next 25 years. The same WCC report notes that the decline of school pools has been dramatic in the last 30 years. The trend is that this will continue without some local initiatives in the short-term to address the issue. As is often reported in the news drowning statistics for school-aged children are rising. Water Safety New Zealand predict that without an increase in the availability of water education on a regular basis this trend will continue.
In the Wellington Region there has also been a continuous lack of swimming pool space at key times for community sports groups. Currently there is a lack of pool space available for community groups, sports clubs and public swimming at peak times. The period after school and work during the week is considered the peak period. With the emphasis on encouraging school children to take up after school sport activities, there has been an increase in the demand for swimming as a component of a range of sports. Existing community organisations are restricted on increasing membership based on limited access to suitable facilities.
We saw the importance of increasing access to Learn to Swim and aquatic education, both in the community and in schools and colleges. The Water Safety Council of NZ released a report in 2010 that highlighted the need for more schools and school children to have access to suitable aquatic facilities and learn to swim programmes. It listed Wellington as one of the areas in most need.
In order to address these concerns and provide accessible swimming to the Wellington Region the Swimming Trust of Wellington was formed.
Our Trustees
The Trust and proposed initial management team is primarily made up of individuals who have lengthy backgrounds in all aspects of swimming and business. They are also well recognised in the community, as advocates of swimming as an important life skill and have a long history of contributing in that field.
Gary Hurring
Former Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Gary is recognised as one of the countries leading authorities on swim coaching and the development of swimmers, from Learn to Swim to Olympic level. He has over 25 years experience in providing, and implementing, successful programmes for young children and teenagers.
Lorraine Kent
Lorraine is the mother of three time Olympian and Commonwealth Silver medallist, Dean Kent and 2012 Olympian Steven Kent. She is a former swimmer and surf lifesaver and has a long association with both swim and surf lifesaving clubs as well as the local community. She has worked for the NZ Olympic Association and has many years experience in both administration and accounts.
Steve Hind
Steve is the father of Tash Hind, double Olympian and Commonwealth Silver and Bronze medallist, and Georgia, a NZ representative swimmer and surf lifesaver (both ex pupils of WEGC). He has been a leading swimming administrator in Wellington for more than fifteen years. His experience in managing both Learn to Swim programmes and various swimming entities is extensive. He has a proven track record in securing capital funding for swimming related projects, and has professional experience in project and business management.
Mark Copsey
Mark is the Managing Director of a UK based economic and technology
consultancy. Mark has extensive experience in economic development spread over 25 years in UK and New Zealand, in both local government and the private sector. Mark has also been involved in the establishment and operation of grant funding programmes to assist the development of community infrastructure. He has a long association with swimming and his partner Kirsten Cameron, is one of the countries top Open Water swimmers and a World Master’s Record holder.