Honoring Heritage through Innovation
The Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness Centre is a premier aquatic destination that blends high-performance aquatic systems with sustainable design and deep cultural significance. Located in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, this state-of-the-art facility was completed in partnership with Apollo Projects in the fall of 2024 and recently received the 2025 Wellington Architecture Award for Public Architecture.
Natare Systems Included
- AWS Pool System
- Stainless Steel Pool Gutters: MS-1200 Roll-Out System (50m)
- Natatec® PVC Pool Lining System: Installed on pool floors
- MicroFlo® Filtration System
- Moveable Bulkheads: Two units integrated for flexible programming
Facility Features
- 50m Olympic Pool with 10 lanes and two moveable bulkheads
- 20m Leisure Pool for recreation and family use
- Splash Pool finished with Natatec® PVC membrane
- Hydroslide with a stair tower design inspired by the original Naenae diving tower
Designed with Purpose
More than just a pool, Te Ngaengae is a space created for and by the community. Its architectural elements honor the area’s Māori heritage and reflect the legacy of the original Naenae Pool:
- The name “Te Ngaengae” restores the original Māori name of Naenae
- The facility’s roof symbolizes an upturned waka (canoe)
- The carved “Pou Whenua” represents Tāne, God of the Forest, standing at the building’s entrance
- The inclusion of glulam beams echo the curved roof structure of the old Naenae pool
Built for the Future
Te Ngaengae is also a leader in environmental performance. The facility was built using eco-friendly and recycled materials, is solar-ready, and includes EV charging stations – all contributing to its Green Star 5 rating, making it the first aquatic centre in New Zealand achieve this certification.
