Huntly Aquatic Centre — Local services in North Island

When people don’t try and communicate and can’t be bothered it makes me feel uncomfortable, unimportant and small. Just because I can’t hear doesn’t mean I should be treated differently.

Today I arrived at Huntly Aquatic using the Cérge App. I am a Deaf woman and communicate via sign and lip reading mostly. I often have communication struggles and a lot of people do not use sign language or it takes them a while to realise I am Deaf and that I need to communicate differently than what they may have assumed.

However today, at Huntly Aquatic I was greeted by two staff members who were very pleasant and kind. I will be honest I was nervous because I wasn’t sure what it would be like or if there would be a communication breakdown. I had put my information into the app so I knew they were aware which I think helped both sides prepare.

When I arrived we spoke together for about 5 mins, we used a range of gestures, writing and typing on the phone which is fine. I liked that they were enthusiastic to do their best to communicate with me and it didn’t feel like a bother. We enjoyed having a chat :) I was able to find out everything I needed to know about the venue and the locations of all 3 pools. They have a kids areas too which was great because now I shall return with my kids and have a great family inclusive day out.

Being a Deaf person sometimes I experience people thinking I have a low intelligence or that I won’t understand them. This is a really damaging assumption as I am a smart woman and live a great life, I just can’t hear. I am really mindful of not wanting my kids to experience or witness discrimination as I went them to have a great experience in the world and see all people as equals.

I really enjoyed using the Cérge app, I had heard good things about it from a friend who used it in Auckland and so I was happy to...

Huntly Aquatic Centre

i) There is a Lack of Concerns & The Health & Safety of all!!! That needs to be looked at & addressed!!

ii) Kids jumping in lanes. Manager & Pool Staff sit & stare!!!!

iii)"Swimmimg Lanes" You would think lanes are for swimming in. The word itself should not be confused. Apparently the pool staff allow "a person" to do aerobic in the swimming lane, is selfish, inconsiderate while the aerobic group have over half the pool. Some paid pool members come from far & have a disability that come to swim to ease there aches & pains & there are only two swimming lanes due to one of the third lane is taken up by a aerobic person using the swimming lane & for the pool staff at huntly deemed this as Ok! I differ to me it's greedy, selfish & unfair!

iiii) Since we started back at the pools in the last two days. We have seen a present of a police car when we head home. Is the "pool staff" ringing the police after we leave the pools?

There is a narrative that lingers out their! That Maaori are targeted, for being Maaori

Therefore the rating has been...

Been coming here for over 12yrs. Place is clean, well presented change room's. Disability changing room's good. Yet, disability shower seats are limited to size. (Lacking size limitation record.) Undercover swimming. With x3 swim sections. Kids Pool. (fair size area.) "Rehab Pool" w/ramp easy access for disability, etc.) Main Pool EXCELLENT size for all. With dividers where needed. Mini fair size gym. Outside area for bbq's etc. *(No Steam or...