The Centralines Indoor Pool Complex re-opened this week following a 17-week maintenance shutdown.
Initially plans were to have the pool closed for about 14 weeks.
Kelly Millar, Chair of the Central Hawke’s Bay District Community Trust which owns the complex, said the heating and ventilation systems, and ceiling tiles, all needed replacing in the near 30-year-old facility.
Some of the work involved was to bring the building up to the current building code.
Kelly said the work all went as planned, however there was a delay in getting the new heat pumps in from Italy, but these were craned in yesterday (Wednesday).
She said there is still some cosmetic work to do inside the complex, however the pool re-opened on Monday.
Kelly said the Trust was grateful to the contractors involved, and to Michelle Hayes and her team from Aqua Management that operate the pool while the work was completed.
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council provided $1.5 million towards the upgrade cost.
Police have launched an investigation after a body was found in a burnt-out car in Hastings on Wednesday.
Fire & Emergency were called to the vehicle fire on Irongate Road West just before 8.30 Wednesday night.
Detective Inspector Martin James said work is underway to formally identify the deceased person and the circumstances of their death.
He said a scene examination is being conducted at the property where the car was located, as well as at a property in Flaxmere.
After nearly 40 years in business, Ross and Sandy Pepper have sold Guthrie Bowron in Waipukurau.
New owners Kaylen and Jeremy Ireland take over the store from Monday. Ross Pepper says they’ve been in business 39-years, starting as an independent store in Peel Street where the tyre shop is.
Guthrie Bowron is what is currently known as, and over the years has been Major Decorating, Benjamin Moore, and Colourplus.
Ross says there have been good times and bad times over the years, but it’s been a great journey.
He says he will still be active in the community, as President of the OngaOnga Golf Club and Chairman of CHB Rugby & Sports Club.
With the Easter Weekend break upon us, local Police are asking people to not drink and drive this weekend.
Last weekend a number of drink drivers were picked up in CHB on Friday and Saturday nights.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said most of the drivers were in the 200 to 350mcg range, which results in a ticket.
He said one person blew 600 mcg and will appear in Court.
Meanwhile Tararua Police Senior Sergeant Carey Williamson said road safety will be a big focus for Police over the weekend lookin gat speed, seatbelts, drink driving, and people using cellphones while driving.