The Roxburgh Community Pool, which was 90 years old, had become so dilapidated, that it was no longer economically viable to keep repairing it.
Former Roxburgh resident Gary Altenburg approached design company Hierarchy Group regarding the dilemma of the community pool. Eager to assist in finding a solution, the company worked on a design concept at its own cost. The land for the pool was ministry-owned, so it had to work with the school and the community to secure the necessary permissions and funding.
The proposal included a 25m four-lane heated pool, a 10m learners’ pool, a toddlers’ beach pool, new changing rooms, office space, a plant room, and a cafe/ice cream store to generate revenue. Targeting the Roxburgh School 50-year reunion to present the pool concept, where a large local audience and many interested parties would see it, Mr Altenburg saw the opportunity to pitch the design to the ex-school leavers and community, hoping to stimulate a revitalisation of the pool.
It also included showing the community a viable solution, applying a budget and programme, and navigating the complexities of obtaining funding, compliance and procuring ministry land.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, and many former students and community members expressed interest in contributing to the project.
Through a community-driven approach and strategic planning, the project transformed from a concept into a tangible initiative, showcasing the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving in revitalising a vital community asset. Teviot Ward councillor and Roxburgh Pool Committee chair Sally Feinerman was a driving force behind the project.
But she said without the Hierachy Group architecture team in Christchurch supporting them, the project would never have crossed the line.
"Together we had the vision to do something quite unique in the Teviot."
Through consultation in the CODC long term plan funding, the Teviot Community Board was able to fund $250k from ratepayer funding and $250k from reserves. It also helped with the initial concept designs.
Cr Feinerman said people had reacted very positively to the announcement of the award. The pool already had really good support from locals and people driving through from other Central Otago towns.
Positive community feedback led to fundraising efforts and Inovo Projects provided a budget and programme. Funding was sourced from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board, Central Otago District Council, and smaller sponsors, reaching a $3 million target.
The Ida MacDonald Trust became the naming sponsor, and Contact Energy funded a solar-powered heating system.
The Hierarchy Group spokesperson said the pool was an incredible asset that would benefit the Teviot community for generations to come.
"It represents unity and resilience, a testament to what a small community can achieve when they come together with a common purpose and a shared dream.
"Punawai Ora is a collective effort by many people, which was over 16 years in the making."
Judges commenting on the building said, in a statement, the community-driven project showcased collaboration and innovation in revitalising a vital community landmark. The undulating form of the building, with its vibrant ochre panels, created a striking visual form that encapsulated a welcoming and inclusive space, the judges said.
