Wai o Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre

Apollo Projects was excited to bring the world-class, Wai O Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre to life in October 2022, nearly a century after the community’s last pool was completed.

Delivered on time and on budget, it has been described by Stratford District Council Mayor Neil Volzke as “an outstanding facility” for the enjoyment of local residents and people visiting from across the entire country.

Wai O Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre includes an eight-lane, 25-metre competition pool; a 25-metre programme pool; a learn to swim area; a zero-depth splash pad with interactive toys; a dedicated toddler pool; and cultural artwork incorporated into the design. The changing facilities are fully accessible and the pools each have ramps, with lifts and hoists for disabled or mobility impaired people. The Centre has inbuilt seating for 180 people, with unique pop out windows designed to capture the district’s mountain views.

Longevity was an important consideration in constructing the new facility, along with keeping operational costs and maintenance low. A Natare Pool system that doesn’t require draining for maintenance for 10 years was one solution that met all three criteria.

Commissioned by Stratford District Council, the Wai O Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre project involved a partnership with Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Maru, who also contributed design elements to the new Centre and gifted the name ‘Wai O Rua’.

In keeping with Apollo Projects’ desire to employ local people whenever possible, about 75% of people working on this project were from Taranaki. We also worked with a network of specialists and contractors that we use for aquatic builds.