Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre

Featuring a 50-metre, 10-lane competition swimming pool and diving pool, large aquatic leisure area, five hydroslides, fitness spaces and nine indoor courts, the complex will be well equipped to host local, national and international events.

Throughout the project's development, our team conducted a series of stakeholder engagement sessions involving both national and local teams. This included key user groups such as Ōtākaro, Aquatic Sensory Environment, sports organisation tenants, High Performance Sport NZ, Circo Arts, Gymnastics, Café operators, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Water Polo, Diving, Swimming Club, City Council Operations, Fitness Centre operators, and Sky TV.

We listened to and strategically prioritised their requirements, ensuring that we integrated considerations around space planning, FF&E, leasing arrangements, and programming - each factor directly impacting the functionality and operation of the facility. We separated the high-performance areas from public spaces while maintaining essential integration with key areas, such as an assessment running track, supporting infrastructure including physios, technical analysts, and strategists.

The centre’s 'elegant shed' design features two key areas: the wet and dry bars, each distinguished by dark and white cladding to balance the building's size. The unique profile reflects its purpose - with the white façade tapering from the dive tower down to the hydroslides, while the dark cladding rises from the community courts up to the show courts and grandstands.

Parakiore is more than just a design statement. It’s about connection - within the building and with the community it serves. Glass walls throughout create an open, inviting environment, allowing visitors to take in views of different spaces while staying connected to the action.

The name Parikiore was gifted to the facility by local rūnanga Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri, paying homage to the youngest son of Ngāi Tahu chief Tūrākautahi - renowned for his amazing running speed and athleticism. His physical and mental attributes are an example of the aspirations for this facility – exemplifying health, sporting excellence, and wellbeing.