Belgravia Leisure’s New Zealand aquatic and recreation venues are being recognised on the national stage at Waves 2026, with two finalists announced across major industry award categories.

Trust House Recreation Centre has been named a finalist for Aquatic Facility of the Year, while the implementation of Belgravia Leisure’s inclusive Cérge platform across New Zealand venues has been named a finalist in the Aquatic Innovation – Operations category.

Hosted by Recreation Aotearoa, the Waves 2026 conference and aquatic awards take place from 26 – 28 August 2026, at the Cordis Hotel in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

The conference brings together aquatic industry leaders from across New Zealand to explore community wellbeing, water safety and facility resilience under the theme Beyond Our Doors: Aquatic Facilities in the Wider Community.

Recogising excellence at Trust House

Venue Manager at Trust House Recreation Centre, Nikki Roud, said:

“To be nominated as a finalist at Waves 2026 is a real privilege. It’s thanks to the hard work of our team that we are nominated as Aquatic Facility of the Year and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for our team in the future.”

Zubran Nabi, General Manager New Zealand added:

“To have two New Zealand initiatives recognised as finalists at Waves 2026 is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of the passion, innovation and commitment shown by our teams every day.

“Trust House Recreation Centre’s nomination for Aquatic Facility of the Year celebrates the dedication of a team that continues to deliver exceptional community outcomes.”

Cérge platform demonstrates inclusivity in action across New Zealand

Cérge is an innovative and inclusive communication platform aimed at enhancing the guest experience for members of the community with disabilities thanks to a partnership between Belgravia Leisure, Belgravia Foundation Aotearoa, Belgravia Foundation and Cérge.

“The recognition of the Cérge platform shows our commitment to making aquatic and recreation experiences more accessible and inclusive for all New Zealanders,” Zubran continued.

“These nominations demonstrate that great venues are about more than infrastructure – they are about creating welcoming environments where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can connect, be active and improve their wellbeing.

“We are incredibly proud of our teams and grateful to our council, community and industry partners who support these outcomes across Aotearoa.”

“Being recognised alongside other leading organisations from across the country reinforces the important role aquatic and recreation facilities play in strengthening communities. We look forward to celebrating the sector’s achievements at Waves 2026.”

Where water meets: partnership, place and purpose at Kaipātiki Hot Springs

In addition to the award nominations, Zubran is presenting at Waves 2026 on the co-governance and operating model at Kaipātiki Hot Springs.

He said the partnership between Belgravia Leisure and Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara demonstrates how aquatic and wellness venues can support community wellbeing while respecting local cultural values.

“Our operation of Kaipātiki Hot Springs is about preserving an atmosphere of local iwi (community) values, wellness, inclusion and reverence to Māori culture.

“These elements are essential to unlocking broader local benefits such as improved wellbeing and improved community access.

“A sustainable operations model is created through our use of efficient systems, local knowledge, transparent reporting rhythms and staying authentic to the cultural narrative of Kaipātiki Hot Springs.”

The venue continues to support several community initiatives, including a popular community movie night, ANZAC Day celebrations and supporting tamariki (children) to build water confidence ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day.

The next stage of renewal for the venue is just around the corner, with plans set for a new wellness experience to launch at Kaipatiki Hot Springs.

To learn more about our venues, visit the Kaipātiki Hot Springs website and the Trust House Recreation Centre website. To learn more about Cérge, visit the website here.

Key facts:

• Trust House Recreation Centre has been named a finalist for Aquatic Facility of the Year and the Cérge accessibility platform has been named a finalist in the Aquatic Innovation – Operations category at Waves 2026. 
• When: Waves 2026 will take place from 26–28 August 2026. 
• Where: Cordis Hotel, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand. 
• Why it matters: The nominations recognise excellence in aquatic facility management, innovation, accessibility and inclusion across New Zealand’s aquatic and recreation sector. 
• Community impact: The finalists demonstrate Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to creating welcoming, accessible and community-focused aquatic and recreation experiences for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. 
• Industry significance: Waves is New Zealand’s leading aquatic industry conference and awards program, bringing together industry leaders to share best practice in community wellbeing, water safety and facility resilience. 
• Additional involvement: Belgravia Leisure General Manager New Zealand, Zubran Nabi, will also present on the co-governance and operating model at Kaipātiki Hot Springs and its partnership with Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara. 
• Future focus: Kaipātiki Hot Springs is preparing for the next stage of renewal, including the introduction of a new wellness experience. 
• Key themes: Community wellbeing, inclusion, accessibility, Māori partnership, water safety and sustainable venue operations.