AusLeisure

Concerns for public safety have prompted Waikato District Council to serve notice on the operators of Waingaro Hot Springs in relation to dangerous buildings under the Building Act 2004.

The land housing Waingaro Hot Springs is owned by Waikato District Council and leased to Chuhar and Amro Singh who own all of the buildings and facilities on-site.

In December, the Singhs were served with notices relating to the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and Clauses of the New Zealand Building Code. Fencing was erected to isolate sections of the facility deemed unsafe or which could pose a risk to the public and staff, including the hot water bore, speed slide, hydro slide and main swimming pool.

Waikato District Council Chief Executive Gavin Ion says the safety of the community is paramount, explaining "(the) Council has a responsibility to ensure the facilities operating in our district, either private entities or Council owned, are maintained to a high standard and meet the necessary health and safety requirements.

"In this particular case, Council is concerned the tenant hasn't met their health and safety obligations and there is a high risk the public could be placed in a dangerous situation."

Ion says staff have met with the lessees to discuss their concerns and it is now at their discretion whether or not they remain open for business.

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