The Council has kicked off discussions with the business community about working together to unlock the district’s economic potential.

Council Chief Executive, Wayne Maxwell, WREDA, the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce, and KEDA presented at the Electra Business Panel this week about the future of economic development in the region, setting the scene for a refresh of the Kāpiti Economic Development Strategy – aroadmap for Council, business and the community to foster a thriving economy.

“A lot’s changed in our district since we adopted the Strategy three years ago and, with our stakeholders now on board and actively working with us, I am confident we’ll develop a refreshed strategy that will deliver results for the district,” says Mr Maxwell.

“Kāpiti businesses have a unique understanding of our local market and a knack for innovation, which is why it’s so important they’re involved – both in the Strategy’s development and implementation, and in the other conversations we’re having about opportunities for growth in the near-future.”

Heather Hutchings, Chair of the Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce says the key stakeholders are all aligned on making a practical difference to the future of Kāpiti’s economy.

“The Chamber will continue to be proactive advocates for Kāpiti businesses, who are the backbone of our economy, and essential to a sustainable, strong future. While there are areas the stakeholders might disagree on as we get to work, we are committed to working on these issues and finding constructive solutions,” says Ms Hutchings.

The Council has set up a series of workshops with businesses, starting next week, to get the Strategy refresh underway. It also recently kicked off community discussions about making applications to the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund for Kāpiti growth projects.

“The workshops are a significant step towards stronger partnerships between the Council and local businesses – a critical foundation for economic success,” says Liz Koh, Chair of the Kāpiti Economic Development Agency.

Mr Maxwell said his team are 100 percent committed to working together with the business community, key stakeholders and the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency to get things moving.

“We can achieve so much more by working in partnership than alone. I’m confident that together we’ll get tangible results for Kāpiti communities,” says Mr Maxwell.

Former Paraparaumu RSA building becomes national Poppy Place

The former Paraparaumu RSA building on Amohia Street is to be designated a national Poppy Place in recognition of its place in the community and support of service personnel, their dependants, and RSA members for 94 years.

Mayor K Gurunathan says the acknowledgement is deserved.

“The recognition also tips a hat to the iconic Memorial Gates that stand adjacent to the building. Volunteers built the gates in the early 1920s, just after World War One. The Gates were then upgraded and floodlit in February 2015 by Council when they were re-dedicated to the community.”

RSA president Philip Simpson says the Paraparaumu RSA is delighted with the designation.

“The New Zealand Poppy Places Trust’s decision to create a lasting historical legacy for future generations in our community is warmly welcomed by the RSA and the people we serve. We are so deeply pleased by this event.”

The New Zealand Poppy Places Trust is an official WW1 commemorative project and has identified an estimated 3000 sites around the country which qualify for recognition.

A Poppy Place sign on the side of the former RSA building (now the Magic Sparks child centre) will be unveiled at a dedication ceremony on Tuesday 13 November by Mayor Gurunathan.

All RSA and family members are encouraged to attend.

Council to fund Major events in Kāpiti

Five events, each with a distinctly Kāpiti flavour, are set to receive funding from the Council’s Major Events Fund.

The international music festival Coastella, Māoriland Film Festival, Ōtaki Kite Festival and Kāpiti Food Fair will all receive funding to grow and develop their signature events.

The Council is also funding the development of FFFLAIR, an international horticultural festival which is expected to debut in Kāpiti in 2020.

Kevin Black, Acting Group Manager, Strategy and Planning, says the fund is available to support events that attract visitors to Kāpiti and showcase the many things our district has to offer.

“The events stood out as great opportunities to put us on the map and give visitors, who make a big contribution to our economy, a taste of the Kāpiti experience.”

“The organisers of each event have been given funding for a specific purpose, such as to help them with marketing, planning, organising or the logistics of the event itself.

“It’s a great mix of events, with huge cultural variety. We’re proud to be supporting them.”

The Fund was established in 2015, providing up to $160,000 per year to help develop and grow key signature events in Kāpiti.

Event dates

Kāpiti Food Fair - 1 December 2018 (gate sales available)

Ōtaki Kite Festival - 16-17 February 2019

Coastella Music Festival - 23 February 2019 - Tickets on sale this month

Māoriland Film Festival - 20-24 March 2019

Māoriland Film Festival $50,000

Ōtaki Kite Festival $20,000

Coastella Music Festival $50,000

The Kāpiti Food Fair $10,000

FFFLAIR $30,000

Total Funding Allocation $160,000

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