SPEECH NOTES for MAYOR MICHAEL LAWS
MAYOR - WANGANUI DISTRICT COUNCIL
[A speech by the Mayor to officially open the $6.6m Splash Centre Extension – a major civic project]

My fellow council colleagues, Double Olympic gold medalist Danyon Loader, Sponsors, Constructors, Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls:

WOW! This is it. The pool complex that the people of Wanganui not only built and part-funded – but also chose as their No.1 capital project priority.

This is the magnificent complex that democracy constructed – the embodiment of this unique partnership between the council and the community of Wanganui.

Because – and let’s make no mistake about this – without the referendum process – and the direct democracy initiative partnership that we have pioneered here in Wanganui … this space would be but grass and dirt. And we would have a deeply inadequate swimming pool – struggling with the strain – next door.

Instead we have this - the best pools complex of any provincial city in New Zealand. With a pair of stunning Genesis hydroslides – one to enjoy, and one to scare the bejesus out of you.

I want to pay a special tribute the sponsors – to Powerco Wanganui Trust who provided $800,000 to this project: to the Whanganui Community Foundation who will actually contribute $1 million once their donation is complete; to Genesis who provided the $700,000 to construct the hydroslides; to the 5K Club – who went out and raised $300,000 off their own bat; and to the 106 individuals who contributed $15,000 through their own individual donations on top of their rates demands …

To you – Thank You. This is your legacy to Wanganui … and what a magnificent act of generosity to make this aquatic dream come true. The total cost of the project is $6.6 million – the Council contributed
$3.8 million of that and the rest was gained through the altruism and generosity of our arrayed benefactors.

And I must say that my council colleagues certainly did contribute.

Because – after the 2005 Referendum – we sat down, looked at the then plans and said … we can do better. Let’s not build half a complex as was the case before. Let’s build the best and create a complex that is family-friendly – that all age groups can enjoy.

I also want to pay an especial tribute to the architect and the builders. Prior to the election, we had a pizza and beer shout, and I labelled them all ‘Heroes’.

Because they were creating an amenity that literally everyone can enjoy. Young or old – disabled or able-bodied – sporty or not. I promised I’d invite them especially. And like a good politician, I keep my
promises.

Enjoy this night … because this is your legacy. And you deserve to be very proud of the amenity that your skills and your hard work have created.

Finally, I want to say that this opening has a special poignancy for me and my family.

When my daughter Lucy was given the prognosis that she would be unlikely to survive – just two months back – all she could talk about was coming here. All she wanted – in the midst of her fever – was to get on her togs and come to the Splash Centre.

I promised her that – when and if she was well – I would bring her. I actually promised her that she could open the complex for me. Not thinking – at that time – that such an opportunity would ever be presented.

Well – here we are. Thank God.

And it is right that a child should cut the ribbon and officially open this fantastic pool complex … because the Splash Centre is for kids – and the kid in us all.

Lucy, my darling … now … it is your turn.

ENDS