Deputy Mayor’s Musings

Water is always topical in Kāpiti. The heavy rain that fell over this last weekend across Kapiti reminds us all of the potential for disaster to strike with short notice especially when water is involved.

The Council, in conjunction with the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) ran a Emergency Management exercise last week. The exercise was based on the scenario of a tsunami from an earthquake in Chile hitting the Kapiti Coast. I had the opportunity to see Council staff in action as they managed the Emergency response across the District. My small contribution was to anchor, alongside the Exercise Controller, a Facebook Live broadcast outlining key information for our community. We are privileged to have so many skilled, passionate people who are preparing to serve this community whenever disaster may strike.

In other water related news, Council has recently had teams out talking with the community about flood maps and who should manage the delivery of your drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services.

On water services, community feedback overwhelmingly supported Council’s preferred option to keep those services in house rather than team up with Horowhenua, Manawatu and Palmerston North councils. At time of writing we hadn’t made a final decision, so check our website.

Flood maps help us plan future development, so we don’t build expensive infrastructure or new homes in flood-prone places. Advances in technology have enabled us to update our flood models and maps so they’re far more accurate and nuanced. Consultation on the new flood models and maps is open now so head along to one of the drop in’s this week or check out our website.

Some significant water projects have been happening in Ōtaki. I had the opportunity last month to visit Ōtaki’s new reservoir which is almost complete, with the final touches and leak testing being carried out this month. It should be finished in late May/ early June. Upgrade of Ōtaki’s stormwater and water supply networks are also well on the way to completion too.

The Ōtaki Gorge Road is getting close to be reopened after slips induced by heavy rain closed it in 2021. This accessway to Ōtaki Forks and the Tararua Forest Park is a significant asset to Kapiti and it will be great to have it available again.

Finally, the local body elections are on 11 October so please: Enrol. Stand. Vote. All the information you need is on the Council website at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Vote2025.

Nga mihi nui – best wishes,

Lawrence Kirby
Deputy Mayor