Budget delivers good news for district
Particularly good for busy Ō taki area
It has been another eventful week for the district thanks to the Government’s 2023 Budget with the funding for the Ō takiLevin Expressway. The confirmation of this funding will be a relief to the area and it mean an improved, safer and faster route.
This news combined with the decision to purchase new hybrid train sets for the WellingtonPalmerston North line mean that the people of Kā piti will have a far more accessible district and wider region, and it’s particularly good news for Ō taki.
While I’m on the subject of Otaki, ¯ I spoke at the Ō taki Rotary Club recently, and covered off the last six months of activities in the north of the district. It made me realise how much has been going on in Ō taki, including the Ō taki Kite Festival, the opening of the expressway, blessing of the expressway sculptures, All In for the Arts talks, Ō taki Players productions, the opening of the new Shed Project space, the Pottery Festival, the anniversary of the founding of the New Zealand Shipping Company, and the moving and well attended dawn Anzac Day service. It’s great that the new expressway and cycleway makes it easier to get to Ō taki to attend these events and visit businesses and attractions.
Raukawa Marae has been the setting of many important occasions, starting with the welcome for KCDC chief executive Darren Edwards at Raukawa Marae last October. This was the first of many powhiri at the marae — the powhiri for Mā oriland, mihi whakatau for the North of Ō taki safety works, powhiri for the District Plan Change Hearings, and most importantly the visit by council to acknowledge the passing of kaumā tua, historian and treasure Te Waari Carkeek last November.
This and the other marae in Otaki ¯ and across the region are crucial centrepieces and touchstones for so much that happens in the district and beyond, and it’s also been an honour to attend other important occasions at Whakarongotai Marae (Atiawa ki Whakarongotai) and Takapū wā hia Marae (Ngā ti Toa Rangatira).
On the district-wide side of things it has also been eventful too, with many meetings and work behind the scenes. A milestone was the first round of our Climate Initiatives Fund. $100,000 has been set aside this year and groups and businesses who have an idea or project to reduce our local environmental impact are invited to apply.
Also a reminder that the Good Sorts Awards and Community Awards close on May 31. Please consider nominating one of the many individuals or organisations doing good work in the community.