Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre

27/09/2026

☀️ Need holiday care this week?

Our Spring Holiday Programmes for children aged 5-13 years are underway, and there are still spaces available at selected locations.

Affordable, fun and packed with activities to keep kids active, engaged and entertained throughout the holidays.

📍 Where: Check our programme locations here! https://bit.ly/42YBd6y
🎯 What’s in store? Sports, arts and crafts, games, and heaps of fun with new friends!:

Register today and secure your child's place before the remaining spots fill up.

26/09/2026

⏰ Last chance to vote!

Today is your final chance to vote for our incredible finalists in the Exercise New Zealand People's Choice Awards 💪✨

If they've inspired you, motivated you, or helped you on your fitness journey, now's the time to show your support.

Today is your final chance to vote - there's still time 🎉
🗳️ Vote before 11.59pm tonight: https://www.exercise.org.nz/peopleschoice/

Let's get behind our finalists and help them finish strong! 💙

25/09/2026

🎉 We're celebrating some incredible recognition at the 2026 Exercise New Zealand Awards!

We're proud to have finalists across multiple award categories, recognising the amazing people and teams who help make our centres such great places to be.

A special shout out goes to our two Group Fitness instructors who have been named finalists in the People's Choice Award! 💪⭐

Now it's over to you!

If our instructors have motivated, supported, inspired, or made a difference to your fitness journey, we'd love your vote.

🗳️ Vote by 11.59pm on Sunday 27 September: https://www.exercise.org.nz/peopleschoice/

Every vote counts, so please help us get behind our finalists and show them some well-deserved support.

19/09/2026

📍 Today's Te Reo Town is Whakatū.

Whakatū is the Māori name for Nelson, located at the top of the South Island and known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning surroundings.

🏡 Do you have whānau from Whakatū or Te Tauihu?

E noho rā = Goodbye (when the speaker is leaving).
This phrase is used when you're the one heading off and saying goodbye to those staying behind.

Kupu: Whānau = extended family, Hui = gathering/meeting, Waka = canoe.

💬 As we wrap up Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, tell us: Where is your whānau from?

18/09/2026

📍 Today's Te Reo Town is Ōtepoti.

Ōtepoti is the Māori name for Dunedin and refers to an important area alongside Otago Harbour with deep historical significance.

🏡 Do you have whānau from Ōtepoti or somewhere else in Otago?

Haere rā = Goodbye (when the speaker is staying).
Use this phrase when you're saying goodbye to someone who is leaving.

Kupu: Waiata = song, Aroha = love, Koha = gift/present.

💬 Where is your whānau from?

18/09/2026

🌷 Spring School Holiday Programme 🌷

Looking for school holiday fun? There's still time to book your tamariki into our Spring Holiday Programme, but the holidays are coming up fast, starting Monday 28 September!

It's a great opportunity for 5–13 year olds to make new friends, build confidence, stay active, and enjoy fun-filled days in a safe and supportive environment.

Spaces are filling, so don't miss out. Secure your child's spot today!

👉 Enrol now: https://tinyurl.com/5dfztcnz

17/09/2026

📍 Today's Te Reo Town is Kirikiriroa.

Kirikiriroa is the Māori name for Hamilton and sits alongside the mighty Waikato River. The name is often translated as "long stretch of gravel".

🏡 Do you have whānau from Kirikiriroa or the Waikato region?

Mā te wā = Bye for now / See you later.
A useful phrase for parting ways and catching up again soon.

Kupu: Tamariki = children, Rangatahi = youth/teenagers/young adults.

💬 Where is your whānau from?

16/09/2026

📍 Today's Te Reo Town is Ōtautahi.

Named after the Ngāi Tahu rangatira Tautahi, Ōtautahi is the Māori name for Christchurch and the largest city in Te Waipounamu (the South Island).

🏡 Do you have whānau from Ōtautahi or elsewhere in Canterbury?

Ngā mihi nui = Thanks so much.
A great phrase to show appreciation and gratitude.

Kupu: Whenua = land, Motu = island

💬 Where is your whānau from?

15/09/2026

📍 Today's Te Reo Town is Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa.

Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa is the Māori name for Gisborne, a place rich in history and culture on the East Coast of the North Island.

🏡 Do you have whānau from Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa or elsewhere in Te Tairāwhiti?

Aroha mai = Sorry! / Excuse me!
A handy phrase to use when you need to apologise or politely get someone's attention.

Kupu: Wai = water, Awa = river, Moana = sea.

💬 Where is your whānau from?

14/09/2026

📍 Today's Te Reo Town is Tāmaki Makaurau.

Known as the "place desired by many", Tāmaki Makaurau is the Māori name for Auckland. Its location, rich natural resources, and connection to land and sea have made it an important place for generations.

🏡 We're proud to call Tāmaki Makaurau home. Is this where your whānau are from, or is there another town that holds a special place in your heart?

Kia pai te rā = Have a good day.
A simple phrase to brighten someone's day. Give it a go!

Kupu: Tāne = man/husband, Wahine = woman/wife

💬 Where is your whānau from?

13/09/2026

Kia ora!

It's the first day of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026.

This year's theme, Te Reo Towns, celebrates the Māori names of places around Aotearoa and the stories behind them.

This week we'll be sharing a different town each day, alongside easy-to-learn te reo Māori kupu (words) you can start using straight away.

🏡 Tell us in the comments: Where is your whānau from?

Let's see how far and wide our community reaches!

Kia kaha te reo Māori.

31/08/2026

🌸 Spring School Holiday Programme bookings are now open! 🌸

Looking for a fun way to keep the kids entertained these holidays? Our programme for 5–13 year olds is packed with exciting activities, including ten pin bowling, creative art days, bike and scooter adventures, spring picnics, games, and so much more!

👉 Enrol now: https://tinyurl.com/5dfztcnz

27/08/2026

Introducing your offical Personal Trainer for our Otara Leisure Centre.. Coach Mareko‼️

“Proud to be your Official Personal Trainer and even prouder to be helping our community get stronger, fitter and healthier. 🏋🏽‍♂️🔥

Whether your goal is weight loss, building strength, improving fitness or simply feeling better day to day — I’m here to help you get there.

Your goals. Your journey. Your community. 🤝🏽”

If you see Coach Mareko around be sure to reach out, including any queries you may have.

See Fitness to book in.

24/08/2026

For Every Goal. For Every Body.

Get more from every workout with expert support, personalised guidance, and accountability from our Personal Trainers.

🔥 Take advantage of our special PT rates and start working towards your goals with the support of a dedicated trainer.

Learn more 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/56rh2br6

23/08/2026

⚠️ Did you know?
If a glass bottle breaks near the pool, we must close the pool to keep everyone safe. 🚧

Our team then needs to check the whole pool and surrounding area and remove every tiny piece of glass. This can take a while - but safety has to come first.

💧 You can help us avoid closures.

Please bring non‑glass bottles when you visit the centre.
Your choice helps us keep our pools open, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you! 🌊

20/08/2026

05/08/2026

🐠 Helpful tips for our little swimmers

For some little ones, wearing a swim cap for the first time can feel a bit different. That's why we recommend trying one at home before lessons start. A quick practice in the bath or shower can help build confidence and make lesson time feel more familiar.

💡 Prefer something a little softer? Lycra caps are a comfortable alternative to silicone caps and can be easier to put on.

💧 Swimming caps are required for all Learn to Swim students aged 3 years and over.

Happy swimming! 💦

22/07/2026

🎉Ready, set, go! Our Term Programmes are back next week!

Whether you're looking to build confidence, learn new skills, stay active, or simply have some fun, now's the time to lock in your spot. 💪

✅Basketball Skills sessions for 5-13yrs
⏰Tues 4pm-5pm
✅Mixed Social Netball
⏰Tues – games from 6.30pm-9pm
Spaces are limited, save time and book online https://tinyurl.com/3b6tcj29

For activities that don’t need booking, try these!
✅Casual ball sports drop-in time for all ages – pop in and play basketball, tag, fastball, or just shoot some hoops!
📱Give us a call 09-274 6917 to check if the courts are available!
✅Casual Pickleball Scrimmage for all ages
⏰Fri 5.45pm-7.45pm

We can't wait to see you here! 💙

19/07/2026

X-Terra Trail ✅

The vibes, the light showers, the occasional mudslide and sore muscles from those inclines…all worth it

Shoutout to our members that came, saw and conquered the X-Terra Run⚒️ 🏃🏾

Where next?👀

25/06/2026

Make this winter one to remember with our School Holiday Programme – packed with fun, adventure, and new friendships!

❄️ Frosty adventures – action-packed sports day fun
🎬 Cool excursions – Zone Bowling with laser tag excitement
🏃 Game on – high-energy games and activities all day long
🎨 Cosy creativity – pyjama movie day and a glowing good party!

👉https://www.aucklandleisure.co.nz/locations/otara-pool-and-leisure-centre
Spots fill fast, so jump online or visit us to secure your place today!