Council Asked to Approve New Learn-to-Swim Provider at Wanaka Pool

Swimmers on side of pool shutterstock 137683304
Date:
Apr 30, 2018

Council will be asked to adopt the recommendation for QLDC’s Wanaka Swim School to become the sole provider of learn-to-swim services at the new Wanaka Pool in Three Parks, Wanaka.

At the 3 May meeting, Council will be presented with a report outlining the background to learn-to-swim services in Wanaka and summarising the provider options. The report also includes details of the Expressions of Interest process that sought a sole provider during March and April 2018, and the evaluation criteria used to review submissions.

QLDC General Manager Community Services Thunes Cloete believes QLDC Wanaka Swim School can provide the flexibility needed to meet customer demands in a rapidly growing community.

“The panel proposes that the recommended provider can offer a cost-effective, flexible service at an affordable price for learn-to-swim participants. If approved by the Council, QLDC Wanaka Swim School will operate the learn-to-swim services from term three,” said Dr Cloete.

The evaluation panel consisted of Sport Otago Chief Executive John Brimble, Swimming NZ National Learn to Swim Manager Chris Morgan, and QLDC General Manager Community Services Thunes Cloete. Sole provider swim schools are best practice for Council as advised by Swimming NZ and is consistent with the delivery of learn-to-swim services at the Queenstown’s Alpine Aqualand.

Dr Cloete added that the evaluation criteria included public pricing, qualifications and skills, relevant experience, and health and safety procedures.

“Five submissions were received and to ensure they were evaluated fairly, neither I nor any other QLDC officer was included in the evaluation of the QLDC Wanaka Swim School submission, which was assessed by the remaining two panel members,” Dr Cloete confirmed.

Learn-to-swim services are currently provided by both QLDC Wanaka Swim School and Wanaka Swim Academy at the Wanaka Pool in Plantation Road, Wanaka.

The Plantation Road pool will close on Saturday 9 June 2018 at 5.00pm and the new Wanaka pool will open with a family fun day on Sunday 10 June at 10.00am.

The agenda for the Council meeting on 3 May can be found here.

ENDS