A 20 per cent reduction in visitor numbers to Go Waipā community facilities in Cambridge and Te Awamutu has resulted in the charitable organisation having to get financial support from the Government.
In a report to Waipa District Council, Go Waipā Community Facilities Trust, which is contracted to run swimming pools in both towns and a sporting stadium in Te Awamutu, says the Te Awamutu Stadium has been hit hardest by the Covid pandemic.
More than 100 bookings were cancelled and visitor numbers at the stadium are down to 1265 from July to December last year compared to 21,758 in the same period in 2019.
Fewer gym memberships and learn to swim lessons contributed to the 54 per cent decline in numbers, chief executive Matt Horne told the council’s Service Delivery committee on Tuesday.
Financial tracking is well down on budget, but $687,669 support has come from a variety of sources including a Government wage subsidy of $538,496.
Customer feedback was mixed and challenging for staff, he said.
“At times it did become personal and aggressive and staff did very well to remain professional.”
Go Waipā’s focus from now on would be on trying to get services and attendance back to projected levels while also looking to expand current services.
Fees and charges for 2022-2023 will remain unchanged.
“It is a fine line to ask for more fees with stretched household incomes and the increased operational costs.”
