- Hawkes Bay, NZ
- [email protected]
For many years, the facility has relied on natural gas boilers to heat its indoor pools and surrounding spaces. Now, following a comprehensive 2½-year investigation and design phase, work is underway to transition the site to a modern, energy-efficient heat pump system – significantly reducing carbon emissions while future-proofing the centre’s HVAC infrastructure.
Site works commenced in January 2026, marking a major milestone in the Council’s decarbonisation journey.
The Hāwera Aquatic Centre operates extensive and highly complex commercial HVAC systems. The original gas boilers heated water to approximately 80°C – a high-temperature system that differs significantly from modern heat pump technology, which operates efficiently at around 45°C.
Designing an HVAC Energy Conversion between these two systems required careful engineering, modelling, and staged planning. In addition to decarbonisation goals, much of the existing commercial heating and ventilation infrastructure had reached end of life. This project presented an opportunity not only to reduce emissions, but to modernise and optimise the entire HVAC system.
Aquair’s solution integrates multiple high-efficiency technologies to deliver reliable, low-carbon heating:
Water-Sourced Heat Pump with Heat Recovery
A new water-sourced heat pump utilises heat recovery principles to reclaim otherwise wasted thermal energy from the pool hall exhaust air system. This recovered heat is converted into usable hot water for pool and space heating, dramatically improving overall system efficiency.
Air-Sourced Heat Pump Support
An air-sourced heat pump supplements the system, providing additional heating capacity when required to maintain optimal operating conditions.
New Air Handling Plant
The original air handling system is being replaced with a modern, high-performance plant designed to maintain precise indoor air quality and environmental control within the pool hall.
Pipework & Infrastructure Upgrades
Extensive pipework upgrades and distribution improvements complete the physical installation, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.hall.
A new comprehensive Building Management System (BMS) will control and automate the entire commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The BMS will automatically regulate pool water temperatures, maintain optimal humidity and air conditions within the pool hall, optimise plant performance for energy efficiency and provide monitoring and performance data.
This intelligent integration ensures consistent comfort for facility users while supporting operational efficiency and sustainability goals.
Undertaking invasive mechanical upgrades in a live aquatic facility requires meticulous staging and coordination. A key priority throughout the project has been ensuring the centre remains open and continues to serve the community.
While several short shutdowns are unavoidable, detailed planning and contingency measures are in place to ensure any closures are brief and carefully managed.
This approach reflects Aquair’s expertise in delivering large-scale commercial HVAC Energy Conversion services within operational environments.
The full upgrade is scheduled for completion before the end of 2026. Once complete, the Hāwera Aquatic Centre will benefit from:
