The Ministry of Education has been criticised as the Dunedin City Council agreed to help fund pool repairs at a Dunedin school.
The Dunedin North Intermediate pool building was in such poor condition it was in danger of closing within months, and the school asked the council to contribute to the repairs.
Councillors agreed at 10-year plan deliberations yesterday to provide $187,500 towards the $500,000 needed for the work.
In proposing the funding, Mayor Aaron Hawkins said it was disappointing the ministry did not fund school pools.
He was concerned about local government having to fund schools and said it was not the job of councils.
Building a new Mosgiel pool was already going to put pressure on capacity for swimming lessons at Moana Pool, and if the council did not agree to help with repairs there was a danger that North Dunedin school pupils would have nowhere to go for lessons.
"I would urge colleagues to appreciate the urgency around this and to support this work to happen as soon as it is able."
Cr Rachel Elder said she would reluctantly support the funding but would challenge the local MPs to advocate for the schools on the matter.
"Should the local MPs not be able to get that money from the Ministry of Education, I believe in fact we’re kind of over a barrel."
Cr Lee Vandervis said council funding the pool repairs instead of central government would be "the thin end of the wedge".
"As well as taking our taxes, they will get us to bail out their responsibility with our rates as well."
In his right of reply, Mr Hawkins said the council had to invest in the pool despite broad consensus around the council table that it was not their job.
"The ministry should pay for it but we know they won’t. Who wins and who loses in that approach?"
Dunedin MP David Clark said he was delighted the council had indicated it was willing to play a part in the necessary redevelopment.
He was working with the principals of the affected schools on raising the funds and had brought the matter to the attention of Education Minster Chris Hipkins.
The pool was used by 887 pupils from George Street Normal School, North East Valley Normal School, Opoho School, Pine Hill School and Sacred Heart School.
Although it is located on the grounds of Dunedin North Intermediate, it was too small for its pupils to use.
The five affected schools were collectively contributing $125,000 towards the remedial work. Other funding bodies were being approached for the balance.
Councillors voted in favour of contributing the money 9-4, with Crs Vandervis, Sophie Barker, Jim O’Malley and Jules Radich voting against.
Crs Carmen Houlahan and Doug Hall did not take part in the vote.
