More than million users prove pools' takeover success

by Martin Tiffany | 29th October 2009

Tauranga City Aquatics Ltd's (TCAL) decision to take over the running of the city's aquatic businesses seems to be paying off.

TCAL seized the running of the five aquatic complexes in a lightning move in June when it terminated its contract with swimming pools operating company LeisureCo.

The decision was made to rescue the council's aquatics business before the liquidators of LeisureCo Tauranga took the business off council. It was reported at the time LeisureCo owed creditors at least $400,000.

 TCAL chairman Warren Banks and chief executive Tania Delahunty presented the organisation's annual report to Tauranga City Council on Tuesday.

 It has only been running the organisation for less than four months, but some positive signs  emerged.

Not least the fact  the 150 staff were retained and that job descriptions were being provided.

While the organisation finished the financial year to June with a net operational deficit of $966,00, Mr Banks said they had to work through many financial processes to get the business back on track.

One highlight during the period was  the facilities recorded more than one million users for the first time.

Overall, councillors seemed happy with the work TCAL was doing.

Meanwhile, Mr Banks is to shortly head to East Timor to take up a United Nations contract for six months.

In his absence deputy mayor David Stewart, who is on the TCAL board, will fill his shoes.