Waikanae

Discover what makes Waikanae such a special place 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 Waikanae for generations to come.  

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

Waikanae Summary Report [PDF 4.02 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

Waikanae is an artistic and inclusive community that cherishes its community connections and heritage, scenic environment, vibrant food scene, and shared spaces.  

We’ve heard that you would like to work together to foster safe and revitalized areas that support our youth and unite our communities, nurturing a sense of unity and belonging. 

Connections

Connections

Where we are

We value inclusive spaces and call for more community halls, playgrounds, and facilities for gatherings and youth activities. 

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to have enhanced community spaces to create an appealing atmosphere that caters for a range of uses and fosters strong connections and inclusiveness.  

The shifts you want us to make

Developing modern, accessible community spaces and increasing the number and quality of facilities for youth activities. 

Your ideas

"Develop a new or upgraded community hall at Waikanae Beach with versatile space for events and activities, emphasising better acoustics, heating, and amenities."
"Develop youth-focused activities and facilities like indoor activity centres, playgrounds, sports infrastructure, Ninja Warrior courses, motocross parks and skate parks."
"Improve childcare facilities, safe play areas community hubs, and public art."
"Develop a new or improved Waikanae Library."
"Support community events like food truck Fridays and music nights."

Health

Health

Where we are

We have limited access to healthcare services and desire improved local health facilities. 

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a need for comprehensive local primary healthcare with afterhours urgent services means access to a GP is timely and affordable.  

Community feedback reflects a desire for a Kāpiti community hospital that offers a pragmatic range of health services, including mental health.  

Community would also like transport options to regional hospitals that makes access easy. 

The shifts you want us to make

Establishing local healthcare facilities, including a community hospital, improving access to GP services, and expanding home support. 

Advocating for improving and expanding transport options to regional hospitals. 

Your ideas

"Develop a hospital in Kāpiti to serve the growing population and aging demographic."
"Ensure more local, accessible healthcare with urgent care facilities."
"Expand Kenepuru Hospital services and hours to reduce the need to travel to Wellington."
"Provide post-surgery recovery facilities and comprehensive care, including palliative and rehabilitative support."
"Improve access to GP services and reduce appointment wait times, with suggestions for GP home visits."

Networks & Connectivity

Network

Where we are

We are concerned about traffic management, road safety, and the need for improved public transport. 

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to have safe, accessible transport systems that feature free flowing traffic, reliable public transport, and well-connected footpaths and cycleways.  

The shifts you want us to make

Improving road safety by improving maintenance and applying safe speed limits. Expanding public transport services, including between Waikanae-Peka Peka-Te Horo and Ōtaki. 

Expanding and improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. 

Your ideas

"Investigate on-demand bus services similar to trials in Tawa."
"Integrate public transport planning with community development."
"Improve traffic management including lowering speed limits near schools and better road maintenance."
"Remove dangerous road-overhanging trees."
"Enhance pedestrian safety with improved footpaths and better pedestrian crossings."
"Improve road surfaces to reduce noise and enhance safety."
"Improve access to and from the expressway."
"Expand eco-friendly transportation options like cycleways and walkways."
"Develop a well-connected, safe, and sustainable public transportation system."
"Expand bus services in Peka Peka, Waikanae Beach, and add more stops between Waikanae and Ōtaki (including Te Horo Beach)."
"Offer reliable public transport options for children. "

Food

Food

Where we are

We enjoy our local cafes and restaurants. 

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire for a vibrant food scene with diverse options supporting the local economy.  

The shifts you want us to make

Encouraging diverse local cafes and restaurants. 

Your ideas

"More cafés to cater to young families."
"More beach cafés."
"More quality bars and food outlets. "

Housing

Housing

Where we are

We see a need for greater housing diversity but have concerns that high density development would undermine existing character. 

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a need for affordable, sustainable housing development near to town centres, preserving broader community character.

The shifts you want us to make

Planning for delivering affordable housing initiatives and infrastructure to meet growth. 

Keeping planning and consenting processes straightforward and cost-effective.  

Your ideas

"Intensify housing near town centres for affordability."
"Ensure population health infrastructure keeps pace with growth."
"Increase Council-supported affordable housing."
"Reduce costs associated with housing development."
"Develop various housing types and sizes."

Income and Work

Income and Work

Where we are

We see a need for revitalising vacant properties and supporting local businesses to expand and diversify. 

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback reflects a desire for a thriving local economy with vibrant town centres and diverse business opportunities with a cultural element.  

The shifts you want us to make

Revitalising town centres, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment in shopping/dining. 

Your ideas

"Support local businesses and groups to promote employment and job creation."
"Increase food outlets, cafes catering to young families, beach cafes, and quality bars."
"Expand shopping options, including a mall and diverse retail outlets."
"Improve shopping and dining experiences, revitalising Mahara Place with an art gallery and library."
"Enhance regional promotion and communication (e.g., local papers)."
"Limit commercial development to preserve the community atmosphere."

Peace, Safety, Equality

Peace, Safety, Equality

Where we are

We want to maintain our peaceful atmosphere, improve animal safety, and increase police presence.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback reflects the importance of having a safe, inclusive community with enhanced public safety and security systems to create a serene environment. 

The shifts you want us to make

Increasing police presence. Improving animal safety/control.

Implementing community safety measures.

Improving infrastructure maintenance to address safety risks.

Increasing home support services

Your ideas

"Update asset management plans to protect against flooding."
Improve access to public parks, pools, community hubs, and gardens, including outdoor community gyms."
"Improve animal safety and control."
"Increase police presence."
"Increase home support services, including temporary housekeeping assistance for those needing short-term help."
"Improve public safety in parks and schools through better design and security."
"Better maintain footpaths, playgrounds, and public spaces."
"Enhance support for the disabled."
"Improve accessibility to beaches and community spaces."

Education and Training

Education and Training

Where we are

We need new schools and educational facilities, to cater to our growing population.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a need for comprehensive education infrastructure with diverse learning opportunities for all ages. 

The shifts you want us to make

Establishing new schools, increasing educational courses, and providing reliable transport for children.

Your ideas

"Establish new educational facilities, including new primary schools in the beach area and northern township, a high school, and a university outpost."
"Provide more diverse educational opportunities, such as dance schools, gardening, and communal activities."

Place

Place

Waikanae values openness and transparency, community collaboration, and inclusive governance. We’ve heard that you would like to work together to build a future that reflects community voices and fosters partnerships that empower everyone. 

Land Use

Land Use

Where we are

We are concerned about balancing development with preserving our green spaces and community character.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire for balanced, sustainable growth that preserves green spaces, beaches and waterways, and local charm. 

The shifts you want us to make

Implementing strategic urban planning, preventing overdevelopment.

Enhancing green space preservation.

Your ideas

"Fill vacant commercial spaces with businesses, art, and community activities to create a livelier atmosphere."
"Improve urban design and mixed-use streets."
"Maintain Waikanae's low-density, relaxed, and distinctive character."
"Allow for growth without overdevelopment."
"Prevent overdevelopment in beach areas, maintaining green spaces, dunes, birdlife, and natural beauty."
"Ensure sustainable growth while protecting beaches, waterways, and green areas."

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

Where we are

We feel a strong connection to nature and desire to protect our beaches, waterways, and green spaces.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to maintain thriving ecosystems, protected natural habitats and increased biodiversity. 

The shifts you want us to make

Limiting vehicles on beaches.

Working to protect natural habitats and enhance green spaces.

Establishing sustainable environmental practices.

Your ideas

Click to listen community feedback 1
"Protect dunes, birdlife and natural areas from over-commercialisation."
"Ensure sustainable growth while protecting beaches, waterways, and green areas."
"Restrict vehicles in sensitive beach areas."

Climate

Climate

Where we are

We have an emphasis on waste management, climate change adaptation that works for the community, and protecting natural environment.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire for achieving a climate-resilient community with sustainable practices integrated into daily life. 

The shifts you want us to make

Improving waste management.

Implementing climate adaptation strategies. Enhancing environmental stewardship.

Your ideas

"Address sea level rise and coastal erosion."
"Maintain accurate information about climate change impacts."
"Improve waste management with more recycling stations, coordinated rubbish services, and more green waste facilities."

Water/Ocean Health

Water / Ocean Health

Where we are

We are concerned about water quality and the infrastructure needed to manage stormwater and rising sea levels.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to have resilient water systems with protected waterways and sustainable management. 

The shifts you want us to make

Improving water services, and enhancing stormwater management.

Your ideas

"Improve water services: repair the Waimanu weir, dredge river buildups, use natural methods for water cleaning, and increase the use of household rainwater tanks and green waste recycling."
"Enhance stormwater management to encourage infiltration and improve downstream water quality"
"Maintain and improve stormwater systems, upgrade culverts, and use permeable surfaces and planting for water absorption and runoff."

Partnership

Partnership

Waikanae values openness and transparency, community collaboration, and inclusive governance. Together, we’re building a future that reflects community voices and fosters partnerships that empower everyone. 

Trust & Confidence

Trust and Confidence

Where we are

We call for improved Council transparency, better communication, and stronger governance

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire to develop trusted, transparent governance with active community involvement and clear communication. 

The shifts you want us to make

Increasing Council transparency. Enhancing communication efforts within the community. Seeking community input into Council decision-making.

Your ideas

"Improve Council governance and financial management."
"Focus on core Council functions with action over discussion."
"Ensure better Council response times."
"Develop more transparent reporting, such as a comprehensive "State of the Environment" reporting."

Community Partnership

Community Partnership

Where we are

We valued community-led initiatives and desire stronger collaboration with the Council.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

The community feedback reflects a desire for strong community partnerships between Council and the Waikanae community driving collaborative governance. 

The shifts you want us to make

Improving Council and Community Board communications and working in partnership.

Increasing youth and te ao Māori representation.

Your ideas

"Enhance Council communications through local media and direct interactions."
"Improve Community Board communication."
"Increase youth and te ao Māori representation in decision-making."

Shared Direction

Shared Direction

Where we are

We desire more participatory decision-making and including local voices and stories into decision-making.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Inclusive governance with regular community feedback and active participation.

The shifts you want us to make

Promoting participatory decision-making, integrating community feedback, and implementing local visions.

Your ideas

"Integrate community input and community-specific plans into long-term decision-making."
"Enhance storytelling about Waikanae’s positives."