Kia ora Kāpiti
Well done Kāpiti, for playing it safe as we've transitioned to alert level 2. The weather's been great, and it's wonderful to be out seeing friends and visiting our favourite local businesses again, but remember, our battle against COVID-19 is far from over. Stick to the rules and if you feel unwell, please stay home. We've lots of information for you this week with our facilities back up and running, so read on!
|
|
Living at alert level 2
It feels great to be out of our bubbles and adjusting to a new, safer normal!
We need to remember that alert level 2 means we aren't fully out of the woods yet though. There are still some restrictions around what we can do, especially when it comes to gatherings and physical distancing in shared spaces. If you're feeling at all unwell it's really important to talk to your GP or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Let's enjoy our freedom, but keep playing it safe.
|
|
Doors open to our Customer Service Centres
We’re thrilled that our three customer services centres, in Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Ōtaki, are open again.
We saw a busy first day yesterday, with residents paying rates, water rates, dog registrations and inquiring about rates rebates. Remember you can pay online too – visit payments online on our website.
If you need to speak to a subject expert, please call 0800 486 486 to make an appointment. Our hours are temporarily reduced during alert level 2 to 10am–5pm Monday to Friday. Find out more about how things are working when you visit us at alert level 2.
|
|
|
Air Chathams back to flying Kāpiti skies
Air Chathams is restarting air services between Paraparaumu and Auckland on 24 May, exactly two months since their last flight out of Kāpiti.
Reconnecting family, business and visitor connections is critically important to our district’s social and economic recovery from COVID-19. Prior to COVID our district’s regional and national tourism had been steadily increasing by around 10–15% each year, and we can expect that to continue as more people look to holiday closer to home.
We fought hard to get Air Chathams here and we’re committed to doing what we can to help them get back up and running as quickly and sustainably as possible. Read more at Regional air connections vital to the Kāpiti Coast District’s COVID-19 recovery.
|
|
Youth voices during lockdown
Lockdown has given us all time to see Kāpiti in a different way. Check out some insights from local teens about what they learnt to love about home during lockdown.
This video is part of a campaign run by the Kapiti Youth Council to celebrate Youth Week last week (9–17 May).
And congratulations to the winner of the Olde Beach Bakery voucher.... @cgmarshmallow02!
|
|
|
It's playtime again!
The renewed playground at Pharazyn Avenue Reserve is now open to be explored. This much-loved playspace was suffering from rust, so we’ve constructed a new, mainly wooden structure. There’s still some additions to come, including new mini goalposts in the sunken area, additional planting and some natural play, and refurbishing the maypole. This will be underway soon.
Children in Paekakariki have been eagerly waiting for their new Campbell Park playground to open today, too! Two infant/toddler swings are still to come, but it's ready for action. The views from the tall tower to the sea are amazing!
Contractors are also busy finishing the Mazengarb Reserve playground in the coming weeks and Marere Avenue will get underway in June – watch this space!
|
|
Support package
Ratepayers should have now received the invoice for the fourth instalment of the 2019/20 Kāpiti Coast District Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council rates.
We know many people and businesses in our community are struggling at this time and will be worried about the future. If you’ve been financially impacted by COVID-19 and need help, contact us so we can agree a plan to defer rates due between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020, and remove or reverse late payment penalties.
If you do need help, please visit our Support package page for more information on what is available.
|
|
|
|
More than just books – all libraries reopen
All four of our fabulous libraries have reopened, with public-facing services being delivered safely and digital services continuing as well. It’s wonderful to (safely!) see our community again in person. You can find out more about how we’re keeping our visitors safe at Libraries – alert level 2.
There's plenty more to libraries than just books – they are our community living rooms and information hubs for many people in Kāpiti. While our doors were closed for seven weeks we engaged with our users in new ways, including creating videos on Facebook, helping people over the phone to use Zoom, Skype and Facebook to contact loved ones, online book groups, free access to Ancestry genealogical research data, and adding thousands of new titles to Axis360.
Check out what our team has to say about working with our community without a physical library during lockdown.
|
|
Draft Annual Plan 2020/21
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council has reassessed our plans for the coming year, making sure we're in the best position to support the Kāpiti Coast District through this crisis and out the other side.
Information on the draft 2020/21 Annual Plan is now online for community review. You can also find a rates calculator to check the proposed rates for your property, and find out how to get in touch or give feedback.
Our proposed plan focuses on delivering our district’s essential infrastructure and services, and supporting our community and economy to recover.
|
|
Upcoming events
More virtual events coming up this week – check them out, and add them to your calendar!
|
|
Engaging with your volunteers during COVID-19
Wednesday 20 May
10–11.30am
Online Catchup
Volunteer Kāpiti and Kāpiti Impact Trust invite community groups to an online catch-up to review learnings on engaging and supporting your volunteers during the COVID-19 lockdown – and how this can help you moving forward.
Find out more at Volunteer Kāpiti, and register.
|
|
|
Growing great volunteer teams
Wednesday 3 and 10 June
9.30am–12.30pm
Online Catchup
Volunteer Kāpiti and Kāpiti Impact Trust invite community groups to an online catch-up on how to grow great volunteer teams. Learn strategies for ensuring your volunteers get what they need to stay involved.
Find out more at Volunteer Kāpiti, and register.
|
|
|
Share your Kāpiti
We’re lucky to live in such an amazing spot, and we’d love to see what you’ve found in and around your local neighbourhood. Follow us on Instagram and use the hashtag #shareyourkapiti and we’ll look to feature your photos in future editions of our Everything Kāpiti. Get sharing!
|
|
|
|
