Taita Rock, Lower Hutt's best-kept swimming secret
Monday, 15 January 2018
In hot weather it is arguably Lower Hutt's best-kept secret.
For generations, children from Taita and Pomare have been swimming in a pool in the Hutt River known as Taita Rock.
Each year ropes are attached to the side of the prominent rock on the riverbank and it becomes a popular swimming hole.
In recent weeks it has been quieter than normal with warning signs reminding locals to stay out of the water due to toxic algae. The algae was potentially fatal to children and dogs.
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The wet weather over Christmas flushed the river clear of algae and, with the warm weather of recent days, Taita Rock is again the place to be.
Kasha Isaia, 11, from Taita, said Monday was her third straight day in the river.
'It is just fun hanging out here with your friends from school.'
She was with Paul Boyce, who was supervising eight children. 'It is a hot day and is a good river to swim in and spend time with your family,' he said.
The rock has two diving platforms, and the only person going off the highest spot was Tauu Isaia.
He admitted he continued to jump off the rock even when the river had been closed.
'I never brought my dog down here, just to be on the safe side, but if it was hot I came down for a swim.'
Lisa Clarke was watching daughter Arani, 1, play in the shallows as the temperature at 30 degrees Celsius. 'I have been coming down here since I was 11. It is just a nice spot to swim.'
White Sox legend and former Pomare resident Naomi Shaw had nothing but fond memories of Taita Rock.
In summer the Shaw family would spend every available hour playing with other local kids.
'We lived right across from Taita Rock and we renamed it Shaw Rock, and not too many of our neighbours took too kindly to that.
'We only went home when the street lights went on, or Dad came and got us.'