Otaki technology park a clean, green, smart option

STATE-OF-THE-ART office space that’s as high-tech as it eco-friendly can be leased from the Kapiti Coast District Council.

The council is inviting expressions of interest in three, fully fitted-out units, at 2 Ake Ake Pl, in Otaki’s Clean Technology Business Park.

‘‘The Clean Technology Park is the newest destination for innovative and smart individuals and companies looking to run their businesses in an environmentally aware and sustainable way,’’ council group manager strategy & partnerships Stephen McArthur says.

‘‘These units are fitted out with the latest in sustainable and green technologies in a location that’s fast becoming renowned as the ‘smarter’ place to do business.

‘‘The council wants Otaki and the rest of the Kapiti Coast to lead the Wellington region in cuttingedge, forward-looking business solutions.’’

McArthur says the three units set the benchmark for commercial accommodation in the region.

‘‘They’re built on strong environmental principles, including a 100 per cent seismic standard, wind and solar renewable energy sources, LED lighting, ultra fast broadband and harvested rainwater captured onsite into large underground tanks.

‘‘Lease packages are attractive and affordable and council will provide business support for rapid growth.’’

The council holds the master lease for the property, which is within an area that is already home to such innovative businesses as Entyre NZ, which recycles rubber tyres, the Streetwise Coffee franchise, Hebe Botanicals, Blended Fuel Solutions and Silaca Glass Crushers, which made the park’s recycled glass paving.

McArthur says the offices in the 936-square-metre building have been specially developed, designed and fitted out to demonstrate how a 21st century sustainable workplace can operate and what it should look like.

‘‘They reflect the council’s long-term partnership approach to establishing smart, innovative, sustainable industries and jobs within our region.’’

Many people think Otaki, which is about 70 kilometres north of Wellington, starts and ends with the bustling retail strip on State Highway 1.

But the diverse, multi-cultural community’s other attractions include Te Wananga o Raukawa, New Zealand’s first Maori tertiary educational institution and the town’s biggest employer, and the Nga Purapura health and wellbeing centre and sports facility, which is attached to Te Wananga o Raukawa.

Otaki also has an 18-hole golf course, a racetrack that holds regular gallops and harness racing meetings, and Haruatai Park, with its playground, picnic area, indoor swimming pool, soccer field, and squash and tennis courts.

In addition to the town shopping centre, which is about a kilometre to the west of State Highway 1, there’s a Sunday market teeming with artisan produce while those who love the great outdoors can explore the