The Queenstown Aquatic Centre is to benefit from a special sponsorship contribution of $200,000 from Aurora Energy Limited, Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field said.

"We are delighted with this offer which will be put to excellent use at the aquatic centre," Mr Field said.

Part of the money would go towards interior lighting, which carried a price tag of in excess of $67,000. The remainder had yet to be allocated but pool equipment was a possibility.

"The new aquatic centre will be a marvellous addition to community facilities and Aurora is very pleased to support such a development for the community it serves," Aurora Energy chairman Ray Polson said.

The council had offered the energy company first right of refusal on naming rights for all or part of the pool as a goodwill gesture in response to the contribution, although it was not contingent upon naming rights being granted by council.

Contact was established with two competing lines companies that operate in the Frankton area during the tender process.

After some negotiation Aurora Energy was selected as the power reticulation supplier for the project.

"The sponsorship arrangement is entirely independent of that process and has come as an added bonus to the project," Mr Field said.

ENDS

For more information please contact project manager Ken Gousmett 03 442 9071.

By: Sarah