Year one
As we approach the end of the 2021/22 financial year we want to update you on what we’ve been delivering for our community this past year, year one of our Long-term Plan 2021–41, Our Plan for Securing our future – Toitū Kāpiti.
Overview
Following extensive consultation with our community and our iwi partners, Council adopted our long-term plan on 24 June 2021. This 20-year plan is about investing for resilience and growth. In the first three years alone, we look to invest $225.3 million. The plan lays out an ambitious programme of work which, even with external factors such as rising inflation and a shortage of materials, remains largely on track.
In particular, we’ve made some great progress in upgrading the stormwater network to reduce the risk of flooding in our communities, improving the safety and resilience of our drinking water supply, and upgrading wastewater treatment plants. Other highlights include consulting on the Growth Strategy, the Representation Review and developing our Destination Management Plan.
This has been an extremely busy and challenging time. As well as our usual day-to-day mahi/work, we’re having to navigate the fast-changing impacts of COVID-19 on both the community and Council. We’ve also played a leadership role in advocating for our community’s best interests as significant government changes have unfolded in water reform, resource management, housing intensification, and more.
Council performance report
Read our Council Performance Report for the half year ended 31 December 2021 at kapiticoast.govt.nz/performance-report
How we’re tracking
at 31 December*
Projects and initiatives
The vast majority (80 percent) of projects and initiatives are on track.
- On track 80%
- Off track 10%
- Not started 10%
Performance measures
Up to 44 percent of agreed service level performance measures were achieved in the first half of the year; 31 percent are annual measures, where we need to wait until 30 June 2022 to know whether they've been achieved:
- Achieved 44%
- Not achieved 25%
- Annual measure (not yet due) 31%
Paraparaumu Transport Hub
We’ve partnered with Greater Wellington Regional Council and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to expand and upgrade the Paraparaumu Transport Hub to improve our community’s public transport experience, and connections to our retail area. Design and planning work is now complete, and we expect construction to begin in April/May 2022. kapiticoast.govt.nz/transport-hub
Hautere Water Treatment Plant upgrade
We’re working to upgrade the Hautere water treatment plant processes to remove turbidity and ensure access to safe and reliable drinking water supply. Stage one, securing the water supply, is under way. Three new bores were drilled in early 2022 and are due to come online in late May. Stage two of the upgrade, ensuring quality drinking water, is in the early design phase. kapiticoast.govt.nz/hautere-water
Paekākāriki seawall
Through our Long-term Plan 2021–41, it was decided we'd rebuild the Paekākāriki seawall in timber to improve protection of the road, infrastructure and the beach environment. Phase one of the build will focus on the main accessway to the beach, across from Campbell Park. The design and methodology is being finalised, and we expect to release a tender for this work in early to mid 2022. kapiticoast.govt.nz/paekakariki-seawall
Stormwater network
We continue to upgrade our stormwater network to reduce risk of flooding to homes and businesses. Major projects are progressing across the district, with contracts ongoing. This includes stormwater upgrades at:
- Ōtaki Beach (stage 2)
- Sunshine Avenue
- Awanui Drive
- Tikotu Stream works
- Riwai (stage 2), and more.
Water network upgrades
As well as the urgent work under way on the Hautere water supply scheme, we’re undertaking a number of upgrades across the district to provide high-quality drinking water and ensure there's enough water to fight fires when needed. This includes the now-completed Tasman Road 300 millimetre trunk main upgrade, which has boosted the water supply to the Ōtaki central business district. kapiticoast.govt.nz/water-supply
Developing Otaraua Park (stage 2)
We’re continuing work to develop Otaraua Park into a multi-purpose sport and recreation facility. The concept design for the new clubrooms and changing rooms is now complete. Once the detailed design is finalised, procurement process will begin. Construction is expected to start before the end of 2022. kapiticoast.govt.nz/otaraua-park
Waikanae Library
Following Council’s approval of $13.8 million in the Long-term Plan 2021–41, a three-stage project is under way to develop and build the facility. The scope of works and initial planning are complete for the first stage of work – to develop a framework for the Waikanae Town Centre, featuring the new or upgraded library and service centre. Design will start later in 2022 and, all going well, construction will begin in late 2023 or early 2024. kapiticoast.govt.nz/future-waikanae-library
Mahara Gallery upgrade
The upgrade of the Mahara Gallery in Waikanae began in November 2021. Council is investing $2.8 million to the project’s $6.5 million estimated cost. Most of the demolition of the old building is now complete and construction has started. All going well, the new gallery will open in early 2023. kapiticoast.govt.nz/mahara-gallery
Representation Review
We reviewed our representation arrangements for the 2022 Council elections. We received 532 submissions on the review and spent almost two days hearing oral submissions. The outcome of our consultation is a local democracy system similar to that in place now, but with a new community board to represent Raumati. The decision was publicly notified and open for appeals or objections until 13 December. It is now with the Local Government Commission for a decision by 11 April 2022. kapiticoast.govt.nz/representation-review
Economic Development Strategy
We continue to progress our Economic Development Strategy 2020–23. Implementation is being led by our independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board. Notable achievements include the approval of the Kāpiti Coast Destination Management Plan and Workforce Plan. Implementation of both plans is under way. kapiticoast.govt.nz/economic-development-strategy
Social Investment Fund
We implemented a phased approach to our social investment programme. In April, Social Impact Grants were awarded to 24 not-for-profit organisations for initiatives to help the community respond to and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The grant had $320,000 available for initiatives in the whole district and $50,000 for Ōtaki-based initiatives. Next is the Social Investment Fund, which opens for applications in April.
District growth strategy
We consulted on, developed and implemented our district growth strategy, Te Tupu Pai – Growing well. We received 145 submissions that helped inform the final decisions. The strategy emphasises well-designed compact urban centres and focusses on protecting and enhancing Kāpiti’s natural and built environments. kapiticoast.govt.nz/growth-strategy
Housing needs assessment
We undertook a housing and social needs assessment to identify housing and social requirements, examine their nature and causes, and set priorities for action. The assessment report, due in May, will be a resource for the whole community, giving us the robust information we need for future discussions with Government and allowing Council and stakeholders to plan to address supply gaps across our housing continuum. kapiticoast.govt.nz/housing
Delays ahead
The flow-on effect of COVID-19 is starting to impact Council projects, and we expect this will continue as Omicron spreads across the country. It's likely Council will need to delay some of our planned projects due to building and construction material shortages, escalating material costs, and contractor availability. We're continuing to revisit timelines and we're in regular contact with key contractors and suppliers.
These challenges are being considered as we prepare our Annual Plan 2022/23.