#lovemybeach summer photo competition winners announced

After perusing nearly 180 fantastic submissions, the Kāpiti Coast District Council’s #lovemybeach judging panel has chosen three outstanding photographs as the best in their categories.

The competition ran from December through January, and called for photos in three categories:
1. My nature coast – Kristy Leah
2. My favourite Kāpiti sunset – Ruth Holman
3. My Kāpiti beach with friends and whanau – Rachael Hogan

“I grew up in Kāpiti and I moved away about 10 years when I started a family and moved back two years ago. I took this photo last year and it really just makes my heart sing – it’s a special photo for so many reasons for me. It emcompasses everything thst I wanted to give my girls growing up. I’m so grateful that you loved it, too, because clearly my love shows through,” Kristy Leah said of her My nature coast winning snap.

Kāpiti Coast District Council Mayor K Gurunathan, Kāpiti News editor David Haxton, and Air Chathams sales and marketing manager Lyn Cheyne comprised the judging panel. The panel wishes to thank the Kāpiti communities for such an overwhlemingly positive response to the competition, showcasing the affection felt for our beaches.

Thanks to Air Chathams for providing the prizes which are two return airfares from Kāpiti to Auckland for each winner.

Council consulting on new speed limits for more than 60 local roads
Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking views on proposals to change the speed limits of more than 60 local roads across the District.

“In 2018, we changed speed limits on 36 of our roads to make them more appropriate for the type of road,” says Group Manager, Infrastructure Services, Sean Mallon.

“We’re now consulting on proposals to change the limits of a further 46 rural roads, along with some of the main roads in three village shopping centres – Raumati Beach, Raumati South and Paekākāriki.”

Mr Mallon says, as with the first 36 roads, the proposed new limits are based on the NZ Transport Agency’s latest rules and guidelines for councils setting and managing local speed limits.

“We’re recommending dropping the speed limits on many of our rural roads, and taking some of the roads through our village shopping centres down to 30 km/h.”
Mr Mallon says this consultation marks the second and final stage of the Council’s District-wide speed limit review, but other roads may be looked at in the future following new developments in the community or changes to best practice.
“There’s a of lot of change going on across the District, with new housing developments, the NZ Transport Agency’s revocation of State Highway 1 and more. We’ll be keeping an eye on our District’s speed limits to ensure they continue to be appropriate.”
The consultation and other information is available on the Council’s website. Consultation will close on 18 March 2019. Residents on the roads included should receive a letter within the next few days.

KĀPITI’S PARKS WEEK BRINGS BACK PARK TO PATH

Parks Week 2019 in Kāpiti will launch this year with the second annual Park to Path 6k/10k fun run/walk event on Sunday 10 March, starting in Otaraua Park (Lancelot Grove, Otaihanga) and heading onto the Expressway shared path from 8.30am.

There’ll be a 1k kids’ route included in the Park to Path event for the first time this year and there’s a certificate and free pool pass for each child who takes part.

Parks and Recreation Manager at Kāpiti Coast District Council Allison Law says like all the Parks Week events, it’s free to register for the fun family morning out, part of the week-long celebration of all things parks.

There’ll be free events in a different park every day between 10-17 March – eight activities to join over seven days.

“This year’s programme is as inclusive as ever with something on offer for all ages and interests,” Ms Law says.

“From yoga, tai chi, and puti puti weaving, to kids’ storytime, playtime with your dog and even an outdoor movie, there’s definitely an opportunity for everyone to join us in one of our great outside green spaces.

“Mayor Guru is joining as again too for the annual Mayoral Walk, this time through Pharazyn Reserve between Waikanae and Peka Peka.

“Our great biodiversity guide is Rob Cross of ‘Walks with Rob’ fame – so if you’ve been enjoying his You Tube videos touring our parks and reserves over the past year, take the opportunity to meet him face-to-face,” Ms Law says.

The Council maintains more than 500 hectares of parks and sports grounds and almost 80 kilometres of walkways, cycleways, and horse riding paths.

Information about all eight events and online registration for the fun run will be on the Council’s website at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/parksweek.

About the Park to Path route
Starting from Otaraua Park, the 10km run travels along the Waikanae River trail and onto the Expressway shared path before heading back to Otaraua Park. The 6km run/walk starts from Otaraua Park, travels along the Waikanae River to the Expressway bridge, and then heads back to Otaraua Park. (see the map attached)

About Parks Week
Parks Week is an annual international celebration of the important role our parks play in contributing to the health of our communities. Parks have many benefits and play an integral role in the wellbeing of active communities. The Kāpiti Coast is home to many great open spaces for our community to enjoy. Parks Week is all about highlighting and celebrating the important role parks play – for people, communities, and the natural environment.

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