Community services
Developing Otaraua Park (stage 2):
We’re continuing work to develop Otaraua Park into a multi-purpose sport and recreation facility. The concept design for the new clubrooms and changing rooms is now complete. Once the detailed design is finalised the procurement process will begin. Construction is expected to start before the end of 2022. kapiticoast.govt.nz/otaraua-park
Waikanae Library: Following Council’s approval of $13.8m in the 2021-41 Long-term Plan, a three-stage project is underway to develop and build the facility. The scope of works and initial planning are complete for the first stage of work – to develop a framework for the Waikanae Town Centre, featuring the new or upgraded library and service centre. Design will get underway later in 2022 and, all going well, construction will begin in late 2023 or early 2024. kapiticoast.govt.nz/future-waikanae-library
Mahara Gallery upgrade: The 12-month upgrade of the Mahara Gallery in Waikanae began in November 2021. Council is investing $2.8 million to the project’s $6.5 million estimated cost. Most of the demolition of the old building is now complete and Construction is underway. All going well, the new gallery will open in early 2023. kapiticoast.govt.nz/mahara-gallery
Partnerships
Social Investment Fund: We implemented our social investment fund to support notfor-profit organisations, iwi and hapu to deliver important community outcomes and support our district’s COVID-19 response and recovery. This year, $320,000 is available for initiatives across the district, and an additional $50,000 is available to fund Ōtaki-based initiatives. Applications closed in February. Final funding decisions will be made in April. kapiticoast.govt.nz/funding
Representation Review: We reviewed our representation arrangements for the 2022 Council elections. We received 532 submissions on the review and spent almost two days hearing oral submissions. The outcome of our consultation is a local democracy system similar to that in place now, but with a new community board to represent Raumati. The decision was publicly notified and open for appeals or objections until 13 December. It is now with the Local Government Commission for a decision by 11 April 2022. kapiticoast.govt.nz/representation-review
Economic Development Strategy: We continue to progress our Economic Development Strategy 2020-23. Implementation is being lead by our independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board. Notable achievements include the approval of the Kāpiti Coast Destination Management Plan and Workforce Plan. Implementation of both plans is underway. kapiticoast.govt.nz/economic developmentstrategy
Planning and regulatory services
District growth strategy: We consulted on, developed and implemented our district growth strategy, Te tupu pai - Growing well. We received 145 submissions that helped to inform the final decisions. The strategy emphasises well designed compact urban centres and focuses on protecting and enhancing Kāpiti’s natural and built environments. kapiticoast.govt.nz/growth-strategy
We undertook a housing and social needs assessment to identify housing and social requirements, examine their nature and causes, and set priorities for action. The assessment report, due in May, will be a resource for the whole community, giving
Housing needs assessment:
us the robust information we need for future discussions with Government and allow Council and stakeholders to plan to address supply gaps across our housing continuum. kapiticoast.govt.nz/housing