Coasties are urging Auckland Council to reconsider its plan to privatise the management of local pools and leisure centres without public consultation.

The proposal, set for a decision on 1 August, follows a closed business case process and tendering period.

Kyran Narayan-Patel, delegate for the Public Service Association (PSA), voiced concerns, stating, "Our pools and leisure centres are for the people. Private businesses will just run them for their own profit, putting the quality of facilities and programs at risk. It’s up to the Council to deliver great services, not enrich private interests."

Currently, Auckland Council operates 22 facilities, with 19 others already outsourced and another leased to a third-party provider.

Legislation mandates a review of service delivery methods, though it does not require public consultation.

PSA President Benedict Ferguson highlighted the importance of these facilities, saying, "Council pools and leisure centres are an essential part of community life and wellbeing for Aucklanders of all ages, abilities and walks of life. More private management will just make the facilities we rely on less effective and less accountable."

The PSA argues that public management allows for resource sharing and better efficiency across the network of facilities.

Keeping management within the Council also ensures direct accountability for service quality and safety.

PSA Delegate Gaby Frigerio cautioned against the cost-saving measures, noting, "Outsourcing isn’t always sustainable in the long term. Setting up and monitoring contracts is expensive, and the private sector can’t guarantee it can provide services at a lower cost than the Council. Ultimately, what belongs to the public should stay in control of the public."

As the Council weighs its decision, advocates emphasise the need for public input to preserve the community-oriented focus of these essential services.