Onerahi kids dive into summer fun!

Published on 17 December 2025

For the third year running, Onerahi tamariki are making a splash thanks to a community-led initiative supported by the Onerahi Community Association and Whangarei District Council. 

With the help of Raurimu Avenue School, the Whangārei Aquatic Centre and koha from families, the school pool is open to the community on Sunday and Tuesday afternoons throughout summer. 

This project began with a simple goal: to give local kids the chance to build water confidence in a suburb surrounded by water. 

“It’s important that we support children in this suburb to gain water confidence,” says Grant Harrison, President of the Onerahi Community Association. 

"The initiative has seen incredible support – from dads turning up to cheer on their kids, volunteers helping with first aid training in earlier years, even a community BBQ to wrap up each season.” 

He says plans are also underway to offer water-safety sessions for preschoolers early next year. 

Raurimu Avenue School Principal Celia Paul says she loves the community engagement that the pool has provided. 

“Our kids don’t often get away from the community, so being able to swim here, along with their families, is something special.” 

Come along, bring the whānau, and celebrate summer in Onerahi!

Pool opening hours (until April 2026): Sundays 1:00pm to 4:00pm and Tuesdays 3:00pm to 6:00pm during term time.