Te Ngaengae Pool: Collaboration Through the 5C's
Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness Centre represents a landmark project underpinned by collaboration and innovation. Delivered by Apollo, this 5,800m2 facility revitalises the Naenae area, incorporating sustainability, cultural significance, and modern design principles. The success of this community driven project reflects the strength of what Apollo calls, the 5C’s: Client, Contractors, Consultants, Colleagues, and Community.
Client – Leadership from Hutt City Council
Hutt City Council’s unwavering vision for the Naenae area was the foundation for this project. Their commitment to creating a world-class facility that integrates sustainability and cultural significance set the be benchmark for excellence. After receiving a Green Star 5 design rating. The result is a facility poised to achieve New Zealand’s first Green Star 5 rating for an aquatic centre.
Contractors – Strengthening Local Partnerships
Apollo worked closely with local contractors, with 80% sourced from the surrounding community in line with Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) guidelines. This approach not only created job opportunities but also required robust resource management and coordination to ensure smooth project delivery. From overcoming environmental challenges like strong valley winds to the precision required for transporting glulam beams at 5am, the contractor team played a crucial role in navigating the project’s complexities.
Consultants – Expertise Driving Innovation
Consultants, including AECON as the client-side project manager, contributed vital expertise, ensuring seamless collaboration and design excellence. They guided innovative solutions for unique challenges, such as integrating glulam beams into a humid pool environment and designing sophisticated infrastructure for water treatment and structural integrity. Their high standards were instrumental in achieving a future-ready, sustainable design.
Colleagues – Teamwork and Safety
Apollo fostered a collaborative culture among its colleagues, subcontractors, and partners, treating everyone as part of the on-site family. This approach enhanced safety, improved communication, and built a strong, unified team dedicated to delivering a facility that exceeded expectations.
Community – Honouring Heritage and Building for the Future
The Naenae community was at the heart of this project. Their input shaped key design elements, ensuring Te Ngaengae reflects local heritage:
Cultural identity: The name “Te Ngaengae”, gifted by Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa, celebrates the area’s Māori roots. The roof evokes an upturned waka, while carved “pou whenua” at the entrances represent Tāne, God of the Forest.
Historical Connections: Community requests inspired features like glulam beams, reminiscent of the old Naenae pool, and a hydro slide tower paying tribute to the former diving platform.
Artistic touches: Interior design showcase Nga Whetu (The Stars), traditional weaving patterns and Ara Moana-inspired details.
Sustainability was another key community focus, with features like recycled materials, eco-friendly glulam timber, solar readiness, and EV chargers ensuring the centre supports both present and future generations.
