Greener Neighbourhoods programme benefits Kāpiti communities

The 2026 Greener Neighbourhoods programme kicked off at the end of April, encouraging neighbourhood and community connection, local sustainability action, and resilience.

Through the 6-month programme, neighbourhood groups from Ōtaki, Waikanae, Otaihanga, Paraparaumu and Raumati will work on a local sustainability project of their choice, with support from Council.  

In 2025, group projects included a community household tool library, a neighbourhood kai swap, vegetable gardens and composting setups, and more. 

Greener Neighbourhoods group aims to bring Kiwi back to Kāpiti

Kāpiti Kiwi, from the Maungakotukutuku Valley near Paraparaumu, joined the 2025 programme as a neighbourhood group focused on improving predator control and forest restoration in their area. Through the Greener Neighbourhoods programme, the group was able to discuss restoration opportunities with us, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.  

As a result, additional funding and support was secured, and predator trapping lines were significantly extended.  With these actions already having a positive impact on the local forest, and with the support of Capital Kiwi, the group extended their vision to reintroducing Kiwi to the valley, and Kāpiti Kiwi was born. 

For anyone wanting to learn more, or to volunteer to help, connect with the group on Facebook and Instagram, or on email.

More about the Greener Neighbourhoods programme

Neighbourhood groups taking part in the programme have the opportunity to learn about a range of sustainability related topics, including improving household energy efficiency and electrification, and household, neighbourhood and community emergency response preparedness. Find out more about the Greener Neighbourhoods programme. 

Please note that registrations for the 2026 programme are now closed.

Greener Neighbourhoods and the Emissions Reduction Plan

The Greener Neighbourhoods programme is part of Council’s recently published draft Emissions Reduction Plan. This plan sets out how we aim to help Kāpiti households, businesses and communities reap the benefits of decarbonisation through cost savings, reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels, increased energy security, better health outcomes and better-connected communities.