Ministers look at major projects
Conversations between local and central government are valuable
It was a great start to the week as chief executive Darren Edwards and I hosted a visit from infrastructure and Housing Minister Chris Bishop and MP for Ō taki Tim Costley to talk about the work we’re doing to support growth in Kā piti.
Sitting down and taking them through our work and what comes next for Kā piti district was a valuable chance to show the massive undertaking we have under way in Kā piti and what we’re working towards.
We took the opportunity to highlight two major projects: the Amohia Street Stormwater Project and the Paraparaumu Transport Hub.
Both will ensure the area is prepared and resilient as Paraparaumu grows.
The Amohia Street Stormwater Project is a perfect example of the kind of infrastructure that’s needed for growth and resilience.
Started last year, the current work is on track for completion next month. Over 800 metres of new stormwater pipes are being laid to reduce flooding for about 350 properties.
Accompanying it are 14 manholes, a new outfall into the Wharemaukū Stream tributary, with trenches and pipes deep enough so as not to interrupt existing cables and pipes.
With stage two in the pipeline (literally) we’re proud of what council staff and contractors have been able to achieve, and it’s great to be able to share our progress with central government representatives.
The interface between local and central government can be challenging, so these conversations are valuable as we try to find a way to work better together.
On another note, last Sunday saw the latest Ō taki Kids Market, a great opportunity for young people to have a stall and sell what they’ve made or sourced. With participants from as far away as Ashhurst, the creativity shone with a range of stalls on display, from 3D prints to dog supplies to cupcakes.
Congratulations to joint best stall winners Isabel Makes and Beachy.co, and to everyone else who participated. A huge thank you also needs to go to Claire Roper and the whole Ō taki Market Team who brought this together. Their next plan is a workshop with stallholders to teach marketing and business skills. A great opportunity for these young entrepreneurs.