Paraparaumu

Discover what makes Paraparaumu such a dynamic 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 Paraparaumu for generations to come. 

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

Paraparaumu Summary Report [PDF 3.99 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

Paraparaumu is an economically dynamic and family-oriented community that values its open spaces, vibrant shopping and dining businesses, cultural events, and family-friendly lifestyle.  

We’ve heard that you would like to work together to foster safe and revitalised areas that support our youth and provide additional employment opportunities that will bring benefits to the rest of the district. 

Connections

Connections

Where we are

We value our inclusive spaces and family-oriented environment.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire to achieve a thriving, connected community with diverse spaces and regular cultural events. 

The shifts you want us to make

Upgrading community spaces, promoting cultural events, and enhancing family-oriented facilities.

Your ideas

"Upgrade recreational spaces and community hubs."
"Strengthen community ties through enhanced community spaces and town square."
"Promote healthy activities through inclusive and accessible sports, recreation, and community facilities."
"Hold regular markets, festivals, and events to enhance social interaction and cultural exchange."

Health

Health

Where we are

We face limited access to healthcare services and demand improved local facilities.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a need for comprehensive healthcare with local hospital and enhanced mental health services. 

The shifts you want us to make

Establishing local healthcare facilities, and improving access to hospital and GP services.

Your ideas

"Improve access to hospital services, medical specialists, and mental health programs."
"Establish local healthcare facilities, improving access to emergency and GP services."

Networks and connectivity

Network

Where we are

We are concerned about traffic management, road safety, and limited public transport options.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback reflects a desire for safe, accessible transport with well-managed traffic and improved pedestrian and cycling networks. 

The shifts you want us to make

Improving traffic management, expanding public transport, and enhancing road safety measures.

Your ideas

Click to listen community feedback 1
"Increase investment in sustainable public transport to improve accessibility and efficiency."
"Improve road intersections and pedestrian crossings for better traffic flow."
"Investigate one-way road options (eg, MacLean Street) to improve pedestrian access and safety."
"Extend footpaths and cycleways, including into new neighbourhoods."
"Improve road surfaces and parking options."
"Provide more motorway off-ramps."
"Address road congestion, particularly on Kāpiti Road."
"Balance road safety measures with improved efficiency."

Food

Food

Where we are

We appreciate our local cafes and restaurants.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to have a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options. 

The shifts you want us to make

Encouraging more local cafes and restaurants.

Your ideas

"Support local food initiatives and access to healthy food."
"Support local shops and eateries that enhance social interaction."

Housing

Housing

Where we are

We desire more affordable housing options but are concerned that high-density housing could undermine our existing character.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a need for sustainable, affordable housing that aligns with community character. 

The shifts you want us to make

Implementing targeted affordable housing policies, balancing density with preserving existing character.

Your ideas

"Enable affordable, accessible housing to meet our diverse housing needs, including for youth, elderly and lower-income households."
"Ensure sustainable, well-planned housing that is integrated with existing neighbourhoods, maintaining the relaxed, coastal community atmosphere."
"Encourage medium housing density near services and transport hubs."
"Support new housing with enhanced infrastructure, services and amenities including green spaces and community hubs."
"Enable housing densification whilst preserving existing character and heritage."

Income and work

Income and Work

Where we are

We support local businesses to grow youth employment and improve shopping experiences.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to have thriving local economy with vibrant town centres and diverse employment opportunities. 

The shifts you want us to make

Revitalising town centres, supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and attracting investment.

Your ideas

"Support diversity in local businesses and jobs."
"Create education and employment opportunities for youth and school-leavers."
"Attract investment and promote tourism through enhanced branding."
"Strengthen local business networks."
"Develop innovation and training hubs and business incubators."
"Encourage businesses and government departments to relocate."
"Promote employment opportunities."
"Better utilise the Kāpiti Airport for tourism and business development."
"Enhance local shops and dining through hospitality hubs."

Peace, safety, equality

Peace, Safety, Equality

Where we are

We are concerned about public safety and desire increased police presence and better lighting.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to have a safe, inclusive community with enhanced public spaces and safety measures. 

The shifts you want us to make

Increasing police presence, improving public lighting, and enhancing public safety initiatives.

Make shifts that support inclusive communities.

Your ideas

Click to listen community feedback 1
"Ensure infrastructure design is resilient to hazards."
"Build and maintain recreational facilities, green spaces, and community hubs."
"Create more youth-focused activities and facilities including indoor sports centre."
"Improve the amenity of beaches and activate waterfront areas for cycling and kayaking."
"Enhance public safety with better lighting, CCTV, and increased Police presence."
"Enhance transport safety with better crossings, lighting, and intersections."
"Address traffic hazard hotspots such as where Maclean Street intersects both Marine Parade and Seaview Road."

Education and training

Education and Training

Where we are

We desire more schools and vocational training facilities.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a need for comprehensive education infrastructure that provides diverse learning opportunities. 

The shifts you want us to make

Establishing new schools and vocational training facilities, while better supporting existing education providers.

Your ideas

"Support life-long learning though education hubs and programs."
"More education courses and new schools to cater to growing demands."
"Support healthcare-related education and vocational training."

Place

Place

Paraparaumu is a thriving town that comprises mixed business districts, suburban and lifestyle housing, as well as beachside settlements with a village feel. The area boasts good sporting and recreational parks and facilities that offer a range of activities and cycle networks that connect to the rest of the district. The beach is a prized natural asset and a series of ponds and lagoons that enhance water management and create picturesque habitats in suburban environments.  

Your feedback shows us that you think it’s important to preserve the existing character and environment while supporting sustainable development that will support future generations to thrive. 

Land use

Land Use

Where we are

We appreciate our mixed urban and rural character and desire improved amenities without overdevelopment.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expressed a desire to have an enhanced urban environment that balances urban development with high-quality environmental character, and enhanced green spaces. 

The shifts you want us to make

Strategic urban planning that allows for growth without overdevelopment, providing enhanced green spaces and improving urban amenities.

Your ideas

"Revitalise the Paraparaumu town centre, including the Coastlands Mall, with improved urban design."
"Encourage redevelopment of vacant properties."
"Preserve our local history, heritage, and scenic vistas."
"Maintain our coastal small-town feel while balancing urban growth."
"Allow for growth without overdevelopment."
"Preserve and enhance our natural areas and wild spaces."

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

Where we are

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

Where you want us to be by 2060+

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

The shifts you want us to make

Protecting natural habitats, enhancing green spaces, and supporting sustainable environmental practices.

Your ideas

"Enable access to the environment and outdoor experiences. "
"Restore our local ecosystems and habitats."
"Monitor and manage vehicle access to natural areas including beaches."
"Enhance and maintain urban green spaces and biodiversity."
"Manage climate-related risks and natural hazards."

Climate

Climate

Where we are

We are concerned about climate resilience, waste management, and environmental sustainability.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses the need to become 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 that work for the community, and enhancing environmental stewardship.

Your ideas

"Provide environmental education and awareness."
"Innovate to reduce our environmental impact."
"Develop climate adaptation strategies, building resilience and emergency preparedness."

Water/ocean health

Water / Ocean Health

Where we are

We are concerned about declining water quality and the condition of our waterways and ocean.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback shows a desire to have resilient, enhanced urban water systems, with waterways that are clean and healthy. 

The shifts you want us to make

Investing in sustainable and resilient three-waters infrastructure, protecting streams and waterways

Your ideas

"Ensure clean, efficient, eco-friendly three-waters infrastructure."
"Protect our beaches, wetlands, and waterways."
"Reduce rubbish on streets and beaches."
"Improve waste management (address overflowing bins)."

Partnership

Partnership

Paraparaumu desires open and transparent governance, and more community participation in decision-making. The community values community-led initiatives and seeks collaborative partnerships with active local involvement.  

Trust and confidence

Trust and Confidence

Where we are

We desire improved Council transparency, better communication, and stronger governance.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback expresses a desire to maintain trusted, transparent governance with clear communications that address community need. 

The shifts you want us to make

Increasing Council transparency, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery of services, and maintaining clear communication.

Your ideas

Promote transparent and accountable governance."
Maintain infrastructure for efficiency and affordability."
Maintain affordable rates for residents."

Community partnership

Community Partnership

Where we are

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

Where you want us to be by 2060+

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

The shifts you want us to make

Supporting community projects, fostering collaboration with local groups.

Your ideas

Ensure community engagement in decision-making."
Keep the community informed with clear, proactive communication."
Collaborate inclusively on urban development."
Foster partnerships with community organisations and business."

Shared direction

Shared Direction

Where we are

We want more community participation in Council direction and decision-making.

Where you want us to be by 2060+

Community feedback recognises the importance of inclusive governance with active community participation and regular community input. 

The shifts you want us to make

Promoting participatory decision-making, integrating community feedback.

Your ideas

Ensure community input in development projects."
Ensure democratic inclusion and equality of access."