The Sky Tower stands tall behind the Karanga Plaza pool. Photo: RNZ / Leonard Powell
First person - As I wander through Auckland's Viaduct and approach the new Karanga Plaza pool, I'm met with a promising sight - if not a slight inconvenience.
The problematic Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge is going up, meaning I'll have to wait a few extra minutes before I cool off in the water.
From the city side of the bridge, I can hear the splashes and laughter coming from the pool, as kids line up and see who can pop the biggest manu from the jump zone.
A boat passes through, the bridge eventually lowers back, and I get to see Karanga Plaza in all its glory. Dozens of people sun themselves on the steps, while groups of kids whip up the stairs for another turn at jumping.
The complex is the brainchild of Auckland mayor Wayne Brown, who christened the new pool with a dive back in late December (and a couple barbs at Joe Biden for good measure).
On this sunny day, I meet Leah Tautiaga, looking after five youngsters on their school holiday break.
"Its our first time here, something for the kids, and free! Cost saving for the holidays."
Three lifeguards are spread around the facility, which Leah says was a factor in bringing the children along.
"That's why we came, because of the lifeguards. Safety in the water."
Six-year-old Willow comes up and nestles in with her mother, rocking a lifejacket. She says she is loving the pool, despite being a bit cold.
Leah Tautiaga with Jamieson, Rylin, Kaylis, Josiah and Willow. Photo: RNZ / Leonard Powell
The 33-metre pool includes three lanes for swimmers, and at the south end I meet Aaron Dixson and Flinn Gardner.
They are competitive swimmers from the North Shore, and are taking a breather from their 1000m training session.
"It's good, I like how it's really deep, and saltwater rather than freshwater," Dixson says.
"You can't see the bottom. It just looks green, like ocean water."
Gardner isn't as convinced about the water quality.
"Its pretty murky and dirty, you can't really see much. I went on Safeswim, and it said it was fine, so yeah."
Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge is raised to allow a boat to pass through. Photo: RNZ / Leonard Powell
Safeswim keeps track of water safety for beaches all over Aotearoa, and has been in the news a lot in recent years, with constant issues plaguing central Auckland's beaches.
Nick Vigar is head of network planning for healthy waters and flood resilience at Auckland Council.
He says a green flag on the Safeswim map indicates low risk, but doesn't guarantee absolutely clean water.
"We've got a regular monitoring programme to understand water quality, and we're doing everything we can do monitor that public health risk.
"Wherever you are, whether down around the waterfront or at the beach, there are a whole of other potential water quality risks. Its important to understand there is never no risk."
Up on the walkway about the pool, passers by are watching the swimmers. Office worker John is on his regular lunchtime walk, and says he is keen to go for a splash, but not in front of the crowds.
"I've been tempted, but I'm not sure I'm keen to get my kit off in front of everyone else in the centre of the city. These guys are brave!"
Back down poolside with Leah, I meet some of the brave bunch John is talking about.
Rylin, Jamieson, Kaylis, Willow and Josiah are having a ball, jumping in and having swimming races.
Leah tells me Rylin is the manu expert. Any tips?
"Just tuck up tight when you jump, and untuck when you hit the water," the youngster shrugs.
I stick with a classic pin drop off the jumping zone, and it's fair to say the water is refreshing, and particularly salty.
It's then off for a cold shower, a whip through the pool's changing rooms, and back on the bike to the office.
Judging by the people out making the most of it, the city is onto a winner.
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