Paekākāriki

Discover what makes Paekākāriki such a vibrant seaside village by exploring our community’s vision for the future of our People, Place, and Partnerships. These areas of focus reflect your insights and aspirations, so we can shape a future where we deepen our connections, protect our natural and cultural treasures, and build partnerships that support a thriving Paekākāriki for current and future generations. 

Showing audio icon When you see this symbol, click to hear insights shared by our community during the engagement process.

Paekākāriki Summary Report [PDF 3.69 MB]

People | Place | Partnership

Your Vision for Kāpiti

Together, we’ve shaped a vision for Kāpiti that reflects our collective aspirations for the district through 2060 and beyond. By understanding what our community values and the changes they wish to see, we can plan for growth that is sustainable and supports our place, people, and partnerships to thrive. 

Each theme reflects your insights, our shared connections, and the shifts we want to make for a vibrant, inclusive future. Explore how your feedback guides our commitment to strengthening community bonds, respecting our environment, and building a collaborative future for generations to come. 

People

People

Paekākāriki is a vibrant community that treasures its inclusive culture and laid-back lifestyle. The community celebrates creativity, sustainability, the natural environment. Thriving community events are central to their sense of belonging for the tight-knit community.  

We heard that the community would like enhance community hubs, and support cultural and inclusive events and cultural heritage to strengthen their creative industries and commercial areas to appeal to the visitor economy. Improving pedestrian access, and enhancing public and active transport infrastructure would strengthen accessibility. 

Connections

Connections

Where we are

We value our inclusive community bonds and low-key village character, which support a strong sense of belonging and place.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire to become a thriving and connected community enhanced by inclusive spaces and cultural and community activities. 

The shifts you want us to make

Enhancing community hubs, and promoting cultural and inclusive events.

Your ideas

Click to listen community feedback 1
"Enhance community spaces (Marae, community and creative hubs)."
"Enable community activities and gatherings."
"Promote arts, events, and cultural heritage"

Health

Health

Where we are

We are deeply concerned about our access to healthcare services, especially mental health support.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a need for access to comprehensive health care facilities and mental health support. 

The shifts you want us to make

Facilitating improved local healthcare services and mental health support.

Your ideas

"Expand local health and mental health services."
"Improve recreational facilities and spaces."
"Encourage active lifestyles through community programs."
"Promote mental health awareness and support."

Energy

Energy

Where we are

We support sustainable living practices and strive for local energy independence.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a desire for energy needs to be supported by community-led renewable energy initiatives. 

The shifts you want us to make

Promoting and supporting renewable energy projects.

Your ideas

"Support renewable energy initiatives"

Networks & Connectivity

Network

Where we are

We are well-connected by road and rail, but within our village, we have concerns about pedestrian safety and inadequate bus services.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a need for a transport network that is safe and accessible with enhanced pedestrian, cycling and bus infrastructure. 

The shifts you want us to make

Improving pedestrian access and safety and enhancing public and active transport infrastructure.

Your ideas

"Improve beach access for all ages (pier,eg with footpath improvements)."
"Improve access and safety with safer paths, road crossings, and reduced speed zones."
"Upgrade cycling and walking paths."
"Improve public transport options (more bus services)."
"Support greener transport options like e-bikes and safer biking routes."

Food

Food

Where we are

We support local food initiatives to address issues of food security, affordability, and access.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire to establish a strong local food system that meets our nutritional needs while supporting community resilience. 

The shifts you want us to make

Developing community gardens, and supporting local food markets.

Your ideas

"Invest in community gardens."
"Support local food markets."

Housing

Housing

Where we are

We cherish the existing character of our village but are concerned by the lack of diverse and affordable housing options.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a need for diverse, sustainable and affordable housing, that has preserved our unique low-key village character. 

The shifts you want us to make

Implementing affordable housing strategies, enabling sustainable housing developments that align with village character.

Your ideas

"Support innovative affordable housing models (e.g. rent-to-buy, housing trusts, Papakāinga housing)."
"Ensure new housing aligns with the existing community character."
"Ensure housing is supported with sustainable infrastructure."
"Support programs to ensure residents aren’t pushed out by increasing housing costs."
"Support greater diversity in housing types to suit a range of households."
"Promote affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in housing design."
"Limit building heights to preserve the village character."

Income and Work

Income and Work

Where we are

We support our local businesses and creative entrepreneurial spirit, and recognise the need for more diverse shopping and commercial spaces.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire to achieve a thriving local economy with diverse businesses and strong visitor economy. 

The shifts you want us to make

Supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and developing vibrant commercial areas.

Your ideas

"Promote partnerships with local businesses."
"Enable pop-up spaces for local artisans and entrepreneurs."
"Promote partnerships with educational institutions and local enterprises."
"Encourage local entrepreneurship and job creation."
"Support tourism and visitor attractions by developing a vibrant and well-defined centre, beach attractions such as long pier, diverse food and drink premises, and water sports facilities."

Peace, Safety, Equality

Peace, Safety, Equality

Where we are

We are an inclusive and cohesive community, but we see the need for improved public safety and security.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a desire for a safe, inclusive community with robust safety measures and community engagement. 

The shifts you want us to make

Increasing public safety initiatives, improving lighting, and promoting inclusivity.

Your ideas

"Improve accessible public amenities."
"Implement crime prevention strategies."
"Enhance community safety with better cycle paths, crossings and lighting."

Education and Training

Education and Training

Where we are

We support our local schools and desire more opportunities for creative and outdoor learning.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a need for a comprehensive education system with strong emphasis on creativity and sustainability. 

The shifts you want us to make

Enhancing educational facilities and promoting creative and outdoor learning.

Your ideas

Click to listen community feedback 1
"Enhance local education programs and facilities."

Place

Place

Paekākāriki is a cosy coastal village, nestled between Paekākāriki Hill and the sea. The community places a strong emphasis on climate resilience and environmental stewardship, and hold their cultural heritage dear. Without sewage infrastructure, wastewater management and water quality is a primary concern for many residents. The community wishes to protect the existing character while also allowing for more accessible, affordable and sustainable housing opportunities, and a desire to create a greener urban environment.  

We’ve heard that you would like to work together to support diverse, affordable and sustainable housing development and enhance community hubs and inclusive spaces while preserving the existing low-key village character. 

Land Use

Land Use

Where we are

We are concerned about balancing development with the preservation of green spaces and maintaining our village charm.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire for balanced growth that preserves green spaces and enhances community character. 

The shifts you want us to make

Implementing strategic planning, preventing overdevelopment, and enhancing green spaces.

Your ideas

"Revitalise the village centre whilst preserving its unique character."
"Fill vacant shops with diverse businesses including cafés, health shops, art studios, social enterprises and environmentally friendly initiatives."
"Preserve the small-scale village atmosphere and local culture."
"Allow for growth without overdevelopment."

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

Where we are

We have a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings and a desire to create a greener urban environment.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a need to maintain thriving ecosystems with protected habitats and increased biodiversity. 

The shifts you want us to make

Protecting natural areas, supporting biodiversity enhancement and enhancing urban greening.

Your ideas

Click to listen community feedback 2
"Expand green spaces and protect natural habitats."
"Achieve a predator-free Paekākāriki."

Climate

Climate

Where we are

We place a strong emphasis on climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a need to become a climate-resilient community with sustainable practices integrated into daily life. 

The shifts you want us to make

Promoting climate adaptation strategies, and supporting sustainable practices.

Your ideas

"Implement sustainable community-led projects."
"Promote environmental education and awareness."
"Enhance climate-resilient infrastructure, including an enhanced seawall."
"Promote waste reduction and recycling initiatives."

Water/Ocean Health

Water / Ocean Health

Where we are

We are concerned about water quality and see the need for better water management.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a need for resilient water systems with protected waterways and sustainable management. 

The shifts you want us to make

Improving wastewater management systems, protecting waterways, and enhancing water quality.

Your ideas

"Provide centralised sewerage system."
"Upgrade stormwater management systems."
"Maintain and improve water and waste systems, including centralised sewerage."
"Restore wetlands and stream health"

Partnership

Partnership

Paekākāriki desires transparent and collaborative governance with improved communications. The community would like to see inclusive and participatory decision-making with opportunities for regular community participation and feedback. The community values strong community partnerships that foster collaboration.  

Trust & Confidence

Trust and Confidence

Where we are

We are calling for improved Council transparency and better communication.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a desire for trusted, transparent governance with active community involvement. 

The shifts you want us to make

Increasing Council transparency, and enhancing communication efforts.

Your ideas

"Increase Council transparency and communication."

Community Partnership

Community Partnership

Where we are

We have a strong desire to preserve our community spirit and enhance local partnerships.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire for strong community partnerships with collaborative governance and active local involvement. 

The shifts you want us to make

Supporting community initiatives, fostering collaboration, and enhancing local governance.

Your ideas

"Support community-based governance of spaces and events."
"Encourage collaboration between community groups and local authorities."
"Support local clubs and organisations."
"Foster community-led projects."

Shared Direction

Shared Direction

Where we are

We desire inclusive governance with regular community feedback.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire for inclusive, participatory governance with strong community engagement. 

The shifts you want us to make

Promoting participatory decision-making, integrating community feedback.

Your ideas

"Promote inclusive, participatory decision-making."
"Regularly seek and incorporate community feedback."