The judges felt that this pool was a good example of extensive community engagement. As an organisation which promotes a community that values its culture and heritage, the Centre has incorporated tikanga Maori in the development and future initiatives at the pool (including lessons in Te Reo Maori). They are also considered a leader across the broader CLM organisation and are, within the Whangarei community, driving a range of cultural awareness initiatives.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said, "A range of community groups access both the community and hydrotherapy pools with a focus on programmes for the district’s children, youth, and young adults making sports and leisure opportunities accessible and affordable for all ages and abilities."

With highly qualified staff, including one recently receiving a Lifeguard of the Year award, Leslie said that the judges noted it as an efficient, effective and sustainable pool. "The Centre has growing visitation and still operates efficiently while being clever about the reuse of its waste water with local roading contractors using it on the roads," said Leslie.

"It fills a niche in the area and is a true community hub," he added.

The NZRA Outstanding Awards were presented during NZRA’s annual conference awards dinner, which was held at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium. Recreation professionals from all around the country attended the conference, entitled "Recreation – we’ve got it covered", which focussed on high level strategy, development, policy, and planning topics relevant to and across the range of sectors that make up the recreation industry.

The key areas of this year's conference were: access, research, health, the impact of natural disasters and the future of the recreation industry.

"Recreation is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing," said Leslie. "We are fortunate in New Zealand to have access to great outdoor parks and reserves, we have modern recreation facilities and a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to delivering innovative, safe, appropriate and entertaining recreational services.

"The awards are about thanking those people, and recognising those among them who raise the bar, develop original solutions and inspire New Zealanders to get active and healthy," he said.