Cost of Living

Council gym memberships surge as cost-of-living pressures mount

Council and community gym memberships are rising sharply as households tighten spending during the cost-of-living crisis.

Skinny McBuntu

Membership at council and community gyms is growing as the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect household budgets. Auckland Council's pools and leisure network added nearly 7,000 members over the past three years, with membership growing 18% to reach 43,685 in the year to June 2026.

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BusinessDesk

Council gyms flex as memberships surge in tough economy

Membership at council and community gyms is rising as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. Auckland Council's pools and leisure network added nearly 7,000 members in the past three years, growing 18% to 43,685 in the year to June 2026.

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