A morning tea has been held to mark the last Aqua Fitness class being held at the Olympic Pools Complex.

Ironically, the last class had to be cancelled because the pool’s temperature was not high enough, which was almost perfect timing for the new Kiwa Pools Complex to open in two weeks’ time. The Aqua Fitness classes have had strong support in the community, with an average of 20 people attending each class every weekday morning at 9am.

This morning’s gathering of regulars included people who had been going to the classes for decades. They all said how much it had  increased their wellbeing.

George Edmonds, 80, said he would be “pushing up daisies” if it hadn’t been for these classes. He has attended three times a week for more than 10 years.

“My doctor encouraged me to do them through the green prescription programme; it’s beautiful in the water, and it’s helped me a lot after heart surgery, knee surgery and all the other aches and pains.”

Stan Pardoe said he was encouraged to go to the classes by his wife, “to lose weight after moving into town”.

“I joined the water aerobics and I go three days a week. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I try to encourage more men to do it. The water makes it so darn good on the knees. I actually work up a sweat in the pool, thank you for holding these classes.”

The classes are led by instructors Katie Boyle, Tori Saunders, Rosina Aupouri and Mary-Lee Searle, who will carry on taking the 9am classes along with new additional classes in the early evenings when Kiwa Pools opens.

Guest speaker at the morning tea was Toni Hoskin, who originally brought the concept of exercising in the buoyancy of water to music here in the early 1990s.

She recognised some of the same faces who’d taken her early classes.

Mrs Hoskin said that, at first, combining her love of land-based aerobics with her love of swimming was a “total flop”.

“Land-based exercises don’t go that well in the water.”

However, over time she developed moves that utilised the unique properties of water, put them together with great music and developed a range of classes. These were initially delivered in Gisborne by Megan Thompson, Karen Whitehead and Katie Boyle.

Last weekend was the last time the Olympic Pool Complex was open.

Yesterday the Olympic Pools were formally closed with mana whenua holding a karakia.

The administration building and old 50m pool and roof will be demolished to make way for a green space to be developed to support the Kiwa Pools Complex.

Jess Bolwerk is the new Kiwa Pools Team Leader Aquatic programme and activities.

She said swimming pools were her happy place.

“Everyone always leaves happier and feeling better.”

Ms Bolwerk said as well as the regular weekday Aqua Fitness classes at 9am, there would be a lot more on the schedule too.

“We’re going to try lots of new classes.”

Originally from the Netherlands, she brings a long history of working in the Aquatic fitness area and moved to Gisborne this year.

“Kiwa Pools is looking amazing.

“It will be something incredible for all of us.”