Project Overview
Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre represents resilience, innovation, and long-term community investment. Opened in spring 2018, the facility was constructed on the former site of the QEII Stadium and Pools, originally built for the 1974 Commonwealth Games and unfortunately destroyed during the catastrophic 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Developed in partnership with Apollo Projects, this modern recreation centre was designed to serve the community for generations while addressing the unique seismic challenges of the region.
The Challenge: Building for a Seismic Environment
The site experienced significant liquefaction during the 2011 earthquake, requiring a pool construction solution that could withstand future seismic activity while maintaining structural integrity and performance.
To meet these demands, we collaborated with Apollo Projects to provide our stainless steel pool construction system, which was selected for its flexibility, durability, and adaptability in unstable ground conditions.
“As the area suffered major liquefaction in the quakes, the new pools are Natare stainless steel walled. This technology is more seismic friendly and allows the pools to be re-levelled up to 50mm in the event of future earthquakes.”
— Apollo Projects
The Solution: Natare Stainless Steel Systems
Natare provided a complete suite of aquatic systems for the facility, utilizing All-Welded Stainless Steel Pool Systems (AWS) across all pools and the lazy river.
These systems were paired with:
- Natatec® PVC Pool Lining System for watertight performance and longevity
- Stainless Steel Perimeter Gutter Systems for efficient hydraulic performance
- MicroFlo® Vacuum Sand Filtration Systems to maintain superior water quality
This integrated approach delivers long-term durability, reduced maintenance, and consistent operational performance.
Aquatic Features & Amenities
Taiora’s aquatics centre was designed to support a wide range of users, from competitive swimmers to families and wellness participants.
Key features include:
- 25-metre, 10-lane competition pool with movable floor (2m depth)
- Leisure pool with lazy river
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Teaching pool and toddler pool
- Splash deck and partial water adventure playground
- Spa pool, sauna, and steam room
- 130-metre hydroslide
The centre not only boasts a spacious aquatics area, but also a fitness centre, café, and meeting rooms, creating a community hub for recreation, wellness, and connection.
Why Stainless Steel?
For a site with known seismic risks, stainless steel pool construction offers critical advantages:
- Seismic adaptability with the ability to re-level pool structures
- Structural flexibility compared to rigid concrete systems
- Reduced long-term maintenance and lifecycle costs
- Watertight, durable construction built to last
A Lasting Community Asset
Designed to bring people together through sport, wellness, and recreation, Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre supports community health and connection for generations to come.
That same focus on longevity is reflected in the facility’s engineering, where durable stainless steel construction ensure reliable performance, adaptability, and long-term value for the Christchurch community.
