Construction of the new Mosgiel Pool is continuing at pace, and the modern facility has a new name — carved from ancient waterways — to boot.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou has gifted the name Te Puna o Whakaehu, which acknowledges the original name of Silverstream. Te Puna translates to "the pool", and Whakaehu is the Kāi Tahu name for the Silverstream, that flows next to the building.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou upoko (chairman) Edward Ellison said the name Te Puna o Whakaehu would be "a perfect association for the building and its purpose, as well as the people who will be here enjoying themselves, exercising and [playing] in the puna or pool, very much like how our people used to do with the Whakaehu".
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the Dunedin City Council was honoured the pool had been given the new name and was delighted with how construction of the stunning new community facility was taking shape.
“Te Puna o Whakaehu is on track for a mid-2023 opening. I’m sure the local community is eagerly anticipating being able to swim in Mosgiel once again and I think they’ll be blown away when they see the quality of their new facility,” Mr Radich said.
“The new pool is a community-led project thanks to the vision and commitment of the Taieri Community Facilities Trust, which has done a magnificent job in its advocacy and fundraising.
“We are also delighted to have been able to work with mana whenua to ensure that the significant stories unique to the area are acknowledged and celebrated in this project,” Mr Radich said.
The five new pools inside Te Puna o Whakaehu are nearing completion — an eight-lane, 25m pool, a leisure pool, a hydrotherapy pool, spa pool, and a learners’ pool.
All pools will have ramp access.
The main glass facade is being installed, completing the last of the main structural install, and the main plant installation is also nearing completion.
The commissioning phase of the project will start in late February to test all plant and equipment in the facility are functioning correctly.
Work on the carpark and landscaping are also progressing — paths will be created linking the community pool to Mosgiel Memorial Park, Mosgiel Memorial Gardens and Peter Johnstone Park.
