Our latest news

Our splashpads are a highlight of our Kāpiti summer – here's some ways we've been making the most of these awesome spaces. Pool and -pad day Plan for a whānau swim day at our Ōtaki Pool – it’s one of...

Many of us love to explore our beautiful coastline by getting out on the water. To make sure you return home safely, it’s important to follow the right safety tips.  Coastguard Kāpiti is the best...

For us, it’s not summer without a dip to cool off, and plenty of splashing around. Here on the Kāpiti Coast we’re spoilt for choice, with stunning beaches, idyllic indoor and outdoor pools, and shady...

Wanting to get out and try some new parks this summer, but don’t know where to start? We’ve whipped up a Summer Six-pack taster to help you check out different villages on the Coast. Get out and...

They say into each life some rain must fall, and unfortunately that can sometimes even include a Kāpiti summer.   So, what’s there to do when the weather doesn’t play ball this summer? Staying in Our...

A Paraparaumu community long affected by flooding issues can head into winter 2025 confident rain will no longer pose such a threat to property and infrastructure. Work to improve the flow of the Te...

We want everyone to enjoy our wonderful outdoor spaces safely together this Kāpiti summer – and most of all, we want everyone to be able to go home safe and healthy. Here’s our hot tips on how you can...

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow has expressed disappointment in the Government’s decision to place tolls on the new Ōtaki to north of Levin four-lane highway. “While we’ve always been in...

We have some wonderful public gardens around our district for those who like to stop and smell the flowers! Here's just a few we’ve been enjoying lately.

Yesterday’s signing of the trust deed for the Affordable Housing Trust - Kāpiti Housing Solutions marks the next step in Kāpiti Coast’s journey to providing more affordable housing in the...

Recently we’ve seen some scary examples of why it’s important to dispose of hazardous waste properly.  Things like batteries, wet solvents or hot ashes should not go into your general waste bins –...

Rakauoteora Te Maipi – known to many as Koro Don – may be stepping away from his role as Kāpiti Coast District Council’s kaumatua but his fire for te reo Māori and Māori culture will continue to...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is supporting six local community projects that aim to increase access to community and affordable housing in the district. Funding of $150,000 from the previous...

In Kāpiti safe drinking water is available at the turn of a tap – and something we all take for granted. Our great track record on managing our ‘three waters’ (drinking water, wastewater and...

Following review and public consultation Kāpiti Coast District Council has adopted the Dangerous, Affected, and Insanitary Buildings Policy 2024. The policy is a requirement of the Building Act and is...

Thinking of building a new home, extending or renovating the one you have, or just putting in a new wood burner? You’ll probably need a building consent. If your plans affect neighbours, the wider...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is exploring opportunities to retain three waters services (drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater) in-house or enter joint arrangements with councils to the north of...

Projects funded through the latest round of the Kāpiti Coast Waste Levy Grant highlight the community’s commitment and innovation to waste reduction on the coast. This year 10 community projects have...

With schools ending and summer on the way, Kāpiti Coast District Council is reminding people that vehicles are not allowed on most beaches in Kāpiti except in defined areas for launching...

Kāpiti Coast District Council invites you to put Sunday 8 December on the calendar when the Christmas Parade and Festival will offer a day of fun and festivities, and of course, a special appearance...

Kāpiti Coast District Council was recognised at the Recreation Aotearoa Awards 2024, winning the Outstanding Project (under $500,000) award for the ‘Meanwhile Space’, a vibrant community hub located...

Our stories as interpreted by local artists will soon adorn five more Chorus telecoms boxes around the district, says Kāpiti Coast District Council arts advisor Rosie Salas.

As councils across the Wellington region deliberate how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater (the ‘three waters’) services will be delivered in the future, Kāpiti Coast District Councillors held...

Have you got children in your life who would like to swim at the Coastlands Aquatic Centre but find its noise overwhelming? Kāpiti Coast District Council is trialling new low sensory sessions to...

Kāpiti Coast District Council today resolved their final representation proposal which retains the overall structure of ten councillors, one mayor, and five community boards, with the new Kapiti Coast...

Kāpiti Coast District Council adopted their Annual Report 2023/24 today. This is the third and final Annual Report of Council’s Long-term Plan 2021–41.  Mayor Janet Holborow says Council’s financial...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has allocated funding totalling $35,000 for 2024/25 to four museum and heritage projects in the district. Customer and community group manager Brendan Owens said all...

Our past is full of great stories and fun facts just waiting to be dug up and shared, says Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow. “We have incredible heritage right here on our doorstep, and...

Work on demolishing the old Te Newhanga Community Centre in Paraparaumu will start on Monday 21 October and should be completed within two weeks, says Kāpiti Coast District Council infrastructure and...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is starting to plan for future cemetery space as the district grows and more people choose to be buried here. Council’s parks, open space and environment manager Gareth...

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says the Council wants sustainable growth that meets the needs of residents and enables the district to thrive, while retaining the things people value most...

Kāpiti Coast District Council welcomes the public release of the Wellington Region’s Advisory Oversight Group’s report recommending a joint council-owned company as the proposed regional approach to a...

Kāpiti Coast District Council’s project to install a new ‘fire loop’ water main in Ōtaki reached an important milestone last week when work moved onto the old SH1 for its final leg. The fire loop is a...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is supporting nine projects with grants to help landowners restore or take care of significant ecological sites in the district. The Council’s Grants Allocation Committee...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has given the green light to progress steps to lift the district’s economic development to the next level. Council’s Economic Development Kotahitanga Board (EDKB) was...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has allocated funding to four local organisations as part of its ‘age-friendly approach’. The funds will support community-based projects, programmes, and events that...

Seven appointees have now been confirmed for a new independent trust tasked with providing more affordable housing options in the Kāpiti Coast District. District Mayor Janet Holborow and interim Trust...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is reminding people to be courteous and think of others, rather than risk increased car parking fines due to come into effect on 1 October. Council Environmental...

We're encouraging Coasties to leave the car at home for the inaugural Kāpiti Coast Car-Free Day on Monday 23 September.   It coincides with World Car-Free Day, which is celebrated on or around 22...

Kāpiti Coast District Council invites you to start summer the right way with the Ōtaki Try (ŌT), a fun and family-friendly multi-sport event hosted by the Ōtaki Pool from its base in beautiful...

Join our community beach clean-up Saturday 21 September! Kāpiti Coast District Council invites you to join our community beach clean up as part of the annual Keep New Zealand Beautiful Clean Up Week.

Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking community feedback on changes to its existing policy that ensures buildings in the district meet minimum requirements to ensure they are safe.  As part of a...

Do you want to be part of climate change solutions, but not sure where to start? Kei a koe te kaha Kāpiti: you’ve got what it takes! We all face challenges to making change, but every small action...

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says she shares the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GW) concerns about the reduction in the Government’s public transport investment. The Government’s...

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. Know your...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is opening the doors of the old Waikanae library to show the community how it’ll be transformed into Te Ara Whetū. People are invited to drop in during the week of Monday...

Kāpiti Coast readers, writers, and booklovers of all kinds will be delighted with a new annual event due to launch in August 2025 – the Kāpiti Festival of Books. Kāpiti Coast District Council has...

Kāpiti Coast’s humble heroes were recognised at the Kāpiti Good Sorts and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti last night. The Kāpiti Good Sorts Awards celebrate people...

Kāpiti Coast District Council have a calendar full of free and low-cost events to help people wanting to embrace a more sustainable way of life. Council climate action and connected communities...

Kāpiti Coast District Council staff rescued a caged puppy and moved horses and sheep out of the way of floodwaters this week and say it’s a timely reminder for people to plan ahead for care of their...

While rain and river levels are easing Kāpiti Coast District Council will continue to monitor the weather overnight.   Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Emergency Operations Controller James Jefferson...

As rain continues to fall in the Kāpiti Coast, Council’s emergency operations centre is keeping a close eye on the district’s rivers, roads and networks. MetService has indicated the possibility of...

A heavy rain warning is in place for the Tararua Range from 6am to 9pm Monday 26 August. 80–120mm is expected to accumulate with peak rates of 10–20mm/h, with possible thunderstorms. Kāpiti Coast...

We often get asked why we charge dog registration fees - what do dog owners get for it? The law makes owners responsible for controlling their dogs; this means much more than just using a leash in the...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has about $22,000 available in 2024/25 to share between projects that will showcase the rich heritage of our district or help our local museum and heritage groups do more...

This spring Kāpiti Coast District Council will be resurfacing or completely rebuilding sections of Raumati Rd. Work is scheduled for September and October and will see around 65 percent of the road...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking feedback on its proposed representation arrangements for the 2025 local government elections. The review looks at the number of councillors, community board...

Kāpiti Youth Council and Kāpiti Coast District Council are pleased to announce the 15 recipients of the 2024 ThinkBIG grants. These grants provide funding for youth-led community projects or personal...

Rates invoices for the new rating year will be dropping into letterboxes and inboxes from this week, so Kāpiti Coast District Council is pointing to information that will help people understand and...

At an extraordinary Council meeting today, Kāpiti Coast District Council re-affirmed their decision to establish a Māori ward. Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says re-affirming the decision...

Credit rating agency S&P Global has re-affirmed Kāpiti Coast District Council’s AA credit rating. The rating again comes with a ‘negative outlook’, driven by rising infrastructure costs and...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking applications from businesses, schools, iwi, and neighbourhood or community groups with great ideas for reducing waste in the district. The Waste Levy Grants...

The next big infrastructure upgrade for Ōtaki will get underway soon, reports Kāpiti Coast District Council. The $11 million Ōtaki wastewater upgrade will form the backbone of the town’s future...

Kāpiti Coast District Council regulatory staff are satisfied with the results of a recent check of off licensed premises selling to under-age youths where just one business allegedly broke the law,...

We’re working hard this winter to keep our Kāpiti Coast aquatic centres in top shape. Kāpiti Coast District Council says important maintenance work is underway or beginning soon at two pools -...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has announced 12 recipients of the 2024 climate action grants. Climate and environment subcommittee chair Jocelyn Prvanov said Council had again received numerous...

Recent changes to the alcohol laws have made it easier for communities to have a say on alcohol licence applications, and now people can sign up to be notified by email when an application is lodged...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is hosting a regional waste forum to look at ways of reducing the amount of waste to landfill, especially from the construction and demolition sector. In Kāpiti, as in...

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are asked to take care while adapting to the new dual raised crossing that has been built on Poplar Ave in Raumati. The pedestrian and cycling crossing where the Te...

Development of the new library in Waikanae, Te Ara Whetū, reached an important milestone this week when Kāpiti Coast District Council confirmed which building option will progress to concept...

Kāpiti Coast District Council today adopted its Long-term Plan 2024-34, confirming a 17.19 percent average rates rise in 2024/25 and committing to reduce debt. Mayor Janet Holborow said the Council...

Three new events have been funded in the latest round of the Kāpiti Coast District Council Major Events Fund, promising more cool things for the coast with the most. The Major Events Fund supports big...

Launched today is the Maramataka 2024/25, the third in a highly successful series of calendars featuring local rongoā, traditional Māori healing and wellbeing practices. It is published by the Rongoā...

Landowners with heritage features on their properties are invited to apply for funding to help manage or protect these taonga. Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Heritage Fund, established to support...

Kāpiti Coast District Council received the independent Takutai Kāpiti Coastal Advisory Panel’s recommendations for coastal adaptation pathways at their Council meeting today.   Mayor Janet Holborow...

Dog registrations for the 2024/25 year are open and the Kāpiti Coast’s canine community are encouraged to get this done early to avoid penalty fees. Dog owners will receive invoices in the coming days...

The independent Takutai Kāpiti Coastal Advisory Panel’s recommendations for coastal adaptation pathways will be tabled at a Kāpiti Coast District Council meeting on Thursday 20 June.  Mayor Janet...

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says recent boy racer mayhem in Ōtaki is unacceptable and the “car enthusiasts” involved are not welcome in the community.  When a mass gathering of boy...

Building infrastructure on the Kāpiti Coast means engineering around low-lying swamp and wetland areas, with an ever-present high flooding risk. We’re proud to have recently completed a major...

The Kāpiti Coast District Council Grants Allocation Committee has awarded community grants to 25 non-profit and community groups to support a diverse range of projects. The Community Grant Scheme...

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says prioritising the reduction of debt was the strongest message Council received leading into the Long-term Plan 2024–34 considerations. “A 17 percent rate...

Two Kāpiti festivals have received funding in the one-off Creative Communities Scheme Festival Fund. The $15,000 fund was established to support festivals that celebrate the life experiences, stories,...

The recently opened TOI Mahara Kāpiti Coast District Gallery won two prestigious awards last week. Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow described the awards as “the icing on the cake for such an...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has agreed fees and charges for 2024/25 as part of its Long-term Plan (LTP) 2024-34 deliberations.    Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow said most fees and...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has joined forces with NZTA Waka Kotahi, Police and other councils in the Wellington region to drive down the number of people getting behind the wheel under the...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has introduced a bylaw allowing it to set its own alcohol licensing fees so it can pass more of the costs to those selling alcohol, rather than ratepayers. This will mean...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is reluctantly suspending its Ōtaki e-waste recycling service until further notice due to repeated and escalating vandalism and theft from the e-waste disposal...

Kāpiti Coast District Council today formally accepted from Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai their gift of the name ‘Te Ara Whetū’ for the new Waikanae Library. Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow...

This week Council accepted from Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai their gift of the name ‘Te Ara Whetū’ for the new Waikanae Library.

The results of the Hoake ki te Taiao City Nature Challenge 2024 have been finalised and it has been a fantastic result. The City Nature Challenge is an annual international event that encourages...

Work to reinstate road access to the Ōtaki Forks and Tararua Forest Park will begin in the new financial year following a decision by Kāpiti Coast District Council yesterday (Thursday 9 May).

Work on a new mural that celebrates the Kāpiti Coast’s ecology and the waka that travelled on its waters has started in Raumati Beach.  Renowned artist Taupuruariki (Ariki) Brightwell (of...

Kāpiti Coast District Council invites nominations for two awards that recognise the local residents and community groups who make outstanding contributions to our community. The Kāpiti Good Sorts...

Work to install raised crossings and pedestrian refuges at key areas on the Kāpiti Coast has started and will continue over the coming weeks. Three of the five projects being constructed are raised...

In partnership with Coastlands Shopping Town, Kāpiti Coast District Council has installed our district’s first Chatterbox seat in the western plaza of the new Paraparaumu Transport Hub.

Kāpiti Youth Council has funding available through its ThinkBIG grants and is partnering with the Kāpiti Coast District Council to administer the funding. The ThinkBIG grants were established to help...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has welcomed the announcement of a new training hub in Kāpiti that will build skills for life and careers in the civil construction sector, and committed to support its...

Anyone with a project or idea that promotes climate action that will benefit the Kāpiti Coast District is invited to apply for a grant to help bring their idea to fruition. Kāpiti Coast District...

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi has today handed over responsibility for the old State Highway 1 (SH1) between Poplar Avenue (Raumati) and Peka Peka to the Kāpiti Coast District...

A temporary pop-up space for businesses and community activities is being created on a Waikanae Main Road property owned by Kāpiti Coast District Council. Councillor Liz Koh said Council wanted the...

The City Nature Challenge is an annual international event that encourages people around the world to find and record wildlife in their cities, districts or regions. Areas compete to see which one can...

If someone asked you what your rates pay for, you’d probably be able to name a few things, like maintaining roads and footpaths, fixing leaky pipes, mowing reserves, and looking after pools,...

Kāpiti Coast District Council and Paekākāriki Community Board are proud to showcase the new rainbow signs that were installed at Campbell Park earlier this month. Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet...

Kāpiti Coast District Council says new variable 30km/h speed limits around 13 Kāpiti schools will be up and running by June.  Installation of new 30km/h variable speed limit signs will begin in April...

Have you had your say on our proposed Long-term Plan 2024–34? Every three years, we review our Long-term Plan (LTP), which lays out the mahi (work) we plan to do over the next 10 years and how we’ll...

Council is considering the implications of local government minister Simeon Brown’s announcement around a proposed Bill to restore binding polls on Māori ward decisions for Kāpiti Coast District...

Kāpiti Coast District Council’s community grants fund is open for applications. The grants support community-based projects, programmes, and events that provide positive social outcomes for people...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has made the sad decision to fell a notable macrocarpa tree that has been a feature of the Paraparaumu North Beach skyline for generations.  The century-old macrocarpa in...

Lest we forget. Please join us on Thursday 25 April and support our RSAs in remembering those New Zealand and Australian soldiers who bravely served together to defend Aotearoa New...

Access between the Paraparaumu train station and retail areas got better today with the opening of a new pedestrian crossing and part of the new transport hub plaza, reports the Kāpiti Coast District...

Kāpiti Coast District Council released its Long-term Plan consultation document today and is seeking community feedback on bold proposals to actively reduce debt and build resilience without...

Kāpiti Coast District Council has agreed to collaborate with other councils in the Wellington region to explore options for a joint water services delivery plan. Mayor Janet Holborow says working...

A red alert level warning for toxic algae is in place for the Waikanae River at the old State Highway 1, Kāpiti. Toxic algae, or cyanobacteria, is harmful to humans and lethal for dogs if...

A first cohort of Kāpiti youth have taken steps towards employment through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme. Kāpiti Coast District Council has received funding from the Mayors Taskforce for...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is to consider a draft consultation document for its Long-term Plan 2024-34 on Thursday (28 March). If adopted, formal consultation on the Long-term Plan (LTP) will start...

In the wake of news that one of Wellington’s oldest craft breweries will leave Kāpiti later this year to join the Brewtown hub, Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow says she is optimistic about the...

The Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking feedback on its new health strategy, with consultation open until 20 April. The proposed health strategy will strengthen Council’s existing public health...

Everyone’s welcome to visit the vibrant and interactive hub developed by the community for the community which opened this week, reports the Kāpiti Coast District Council. The ‘Meanwhile Space’ is...

Kāpiti Coast District Council have recently detected invasive fish species in our lakes.  Council Environment and Ecological Services team lead Andy McKay says the discovery of dead tench in Kotuku...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is now an accredited Living Wage employer, the first district council in New Zealand to achieve the milestone. After a long process Council received accreditation from...

One of our staff, Sarah, took part in the Long Walk Home - a long-distance challenge walk from Wellington City to Mana, Porirua (30 kilometres), organised by Wellington Region Emergency Management...

Kāpiti Coast District Council invites Kāpiti whānau, hapū, iwi, ngā mātāwaka and Māori businesses to apply to the Māori Economic Development Fund which is now open. The contestable fund has $65,000...

The success of a recycling trial for household batteries at Paraparaumu Library has prompted Kāpiti Coast District Council to extend the trial to Ōtaki. Waste projects manager Robbie Stillwell said...

Fly-tipping. Littering. Illegal rubbish dumping. Whatever you call it, it’s not great for a bunch of reasons – it pollutes the environment, spoils our shared spaces, can be dangerous for people and...

Following the decision to establish a Māori ward in November last year, Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking feedback to help inform future representation arrangements. Kāpiti Coast District Mayor...

It’s that time again! We’re looking for local artists who would like to be part of our iconic Kāpiti Coast Art Trail in 2024, held over the first two weekends in November. Kāpiti Coast District...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is to set up an independent charitable trust to develop and run additional affordable housing options in the district. Mayor Janet Holborow said councillors today...

If you’ve met Monique Engelen, Principal Policy Advisor with the Sustainability & Resilience team, it will come as no surprise that she has been co-hosting Over the Fence Cuppas with her neighbour...

A book of memories and reflections written during community writing workshops has been published. Kāpiti resident Angela Robertson has run Write Your Story workshops over the last four years,...

Parks Week focuses on the how spending time in our parks and open spaces positively influences our wellbeing. Here on the Kāpiti Coast we're renowned for our stunning parks, from tranquil river tracks...

Kāpiti Coast District Council is kicking off Parks Week with their popular Movies in the Park on Saturday 2 March** at Waikanae Park from 4pm. **Due to rain, this event has been postponed to 16...

Access to suitable and affordable housing is pivotal to one of Kāpiti Coast District Council’s core long-term goals – a resilient community that feels safe and connected and has support for basic...

A number of dead waterfowl have been removed from Waimanu Lagoons, Waikanae. It’s suspected that avian botulism, a disease that causes paralysis and death in birds and fish, is the cause of the...

Following 18 months of engagement, design and planning, construction of the refreshed skatepark and installation of the new amenity block at Maclean Park, Paraparaumu will begin in March reports...

Following a competitive tender process, Kāpiti Coast District Council has appointed Studio Pacific as architect for the new Waikanae Community Hub. “Studio Pacific’s commitment and track record of...

We are making changes to the district plan to ensure accessible car parking for people with mobility permits and cycle parking will continue to be provided in new developments.

Kāpiti creatives and festival organisers are invited to apply for funds to support their projects. Kāpiti Coast District Council has grant funding available through the Creative Communities Scheme to...

Kāpiti Coast District Council are encouraging community-minded people to host Over the Fence Cuppa events with their neighbours this March. Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says that...

Waitangi commemorations, hosted by the Whakarongotai Marae Trustees under the rangatiratanga of their local iwi Te Āti Awa in partnership with Kāpiti Coast District Council, will be held on Saturday 3...

A stormwater outfall on the beach near Beach Road, Paekākāriki will be replaced in mid-February, reports Kāpiti Coast District Council. Sean Mallon, Council’s Group Manager – Infrastructure, says the...

While parts of the Wellington Region are facing water woes, Kāpiti Coast residents are enjoying a water-restriction-free summer thanks to sound investment in the district’s water infrastructure and...

Work to complete an upgrade to the drainage system at the Mazengarb Reserve playing fields is kicking off this week to future proof the surface for many years of sporting endeavour. Half of the field...

The Ministry for the Environment is standardising the items that can be collected for kerbside recycling across Aotearoa New Zealand – for Kāpiti this means no changes. Kāpiti Coast District Council...

The Kāpiti Coast District Council invites local artists to submit their ideas for a temporary public artwork commission as part of the Maclean Park upgrades. The artwork will be installed on the new...

We all know and love summer in Waikanae Beach! From lazy days on the sand to summer ice creams (or fish and chips) under the macrocarpas looking at Kāpiti Island, and the awesome cafe culture, retro...