Kāpiti know-how: essential tips for new locals

Welcome to the beautiful Kāpiti Coast! Whether you’ve moved here recently or feel like an old hand, check out our checklist of how we do things a little differently in Kāpiti (and why!).

1. What you need to know in an emergency 

We live in a coastal wonderland but with that natural beauty comes hazards such as flooding, earthquakes and tsunami. While we’ll be part of the emergency response, there’s a lot you can do too:  

• Gather emergencies supplies so you can be self-sufficient for seven days 
• Have a grab bag ready for every household member, including your pets 
• Know your tsunami zones for home, work, and school 
• Know where your closest community emergency hub is 
• Know how to stay up to date during an emergency.

Remember, if an earthquake strikes and you’re in bed stay put and cover your head and if its long or strong, get gone! You might have only 10 minutes to get to safe ground, and the earthquake is your only warning – we don't have tsunami sirens on the Kāpiti Coast. 

Find out what you need to know and help keep you and your whānau safe.  

2. Setting up your rubbish collection 

In Kāpiti, rubbish and recycling collection isn't paid for by your Council rates. You'll need to arrange this with an independent collector, or manage it yourself by composting, reducing waste, or using transfer stations. This way, you only pay for what you throw away.

Our transfer stations and recycling centres are run by independent contractors in Otaihanga and Ōtaki. Some construction and household waste can also be taken to and bought from Otaihanga Zero Waste and Zero Waste Ōtaki.   

3. You only pay for the water you use 

Most properties on the Kāpiti Coast have water meters and are only charged for the water they use. When water meters started in 2014 our water usage as a district dropped by 25 percent, and we haven’t had summer water restrictions since! 

You’ll get a water rates invoice four times a year. Renters should check their tenancy agreement and talk with their property owner about who will pay the Water Supply Volumetric Rate charges. 

Maintaining our water infrastructure, (such as pipes, bores, pump stations and water treatment plants) are charged as part of your combined general rates. This is the Districtwide Water Supply Fixed Rate on your invoice.  

Learn more on our website at Water rates.

4. Know when it’s safe to swim 

Kāpiti has amazing swimming spots, from our public pools in Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Ōtaki to our beaches and rivers. 

In summer, when the weather is warmer and flows are lower, toxic algae can cause issues in the Waikanae and Ōtaki rivers. Dogs are most at risk, even a small amount can be fatal for your furry friend. People should also take caution where toxic algae is present. Make sure you check the latest recreational water quality before heading out for a swim – and always wait 48 hours after rain. 

5. Check where your dog can run free 

Bringing your canine cutie to Kāpiti? Check where dogs are allowed on our beaches. Some areas are off-limits or require a leash. Some people are afraid of dogs - these rules mean everyone can enjoy our beaches together. Dog-friendly areas can change with the seasons, so check on 1 December and at the end of daylight saving for the latest beach zones.  

Dogs must stay at least 10 metres away from playgrounds, and off the playing surface of our sports fields – no one wants to fall into dog poop after a tackle! 

Find out more about dog exercise areas, registration, keeping more than two dogs, or anything else to do with our pup-ulation - and sign up to our dog newsletter for regular updates.  

6. Check your gutters and drains regularly 

Many older homes in our beach suburbs use soak pits instead of being connected to the stormwater system. If your home has soak pits, keep your gutters and drains clear of debris like fallen leaves to prevent flooding.  

It’s a good idea to do this even if you are connected to the stormwater system! Double check your gutters are clear before it rains.  

Find out more about our stormwater maintenance and what you can do at Helping us help you.

7. Keep updated

Keen to keep up to date on what’s happening around Kāpiti? Sign up to our weekly Everything Kāpiti e-newsletter! You can also download our Antenno app to get updates on your favourite sportsgrounds and suburbs, and to report issues like fallen trees or graffiti to us.

Make sure you follow our Council Facebook page, too – making Council cool again!

There’s other ways we keep in touch – see our Stay informed page to check these out.