A new free-entry scheme for children at public swimming pools in Auckland has proved so popular that people are being turned away from some pools because of overcrowding.
Auckland Council introduced the policy for children aged 16 and under on 2 April.
At peak times during the school holidays, people at some pools have had to wait to enter as staff tried to control numbers.
The council says restricted sessions have been put in place when required at West Wave Aquatic Centre, Glenfield Pool and the Tepid Baths.
The West Wave manager, Kate Meacham, says the pool has reached maximum capacity about five times over the past two weeks and access has had to be restricted as a result.
She says people are usually allowed into the pool after about an hour.
