Kia ora Kāpiti
Ka pai Kāpiti, the sacrifices we’ve made have helped stop the spread of COVID-19 and on Thursday we’ll move to our “safer normal”. There’s a lot to think about before we make the move to alert level 2 and in this issue we’ll update you on our plans and more.
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Preparing for a "safer normal"
The Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday confirming that New Zealand will move to COVID-19 alert level 2 at 11.59pm on Wednesday 13 May marks a significant step forward for our nation, and reflects the sacrifices we’ve all made to help stamp out COVID-19.
Moving to alert level 2 means the Government has confidence that the disease is contained. However, the Prime Minister made it clear that we are not out of the woods yet and need to “play it safe”.
As a Council we're committed to re-opening our community facilities as safely and quickly as possible, but for some of our facilities it won’t be possible to open straight away, or they may open with reduced hours or levels of service. This is because we need to be confident that we’ve got the right systems and processes in place to keep staff, customers and the Kāpiti Coast community safe.
Our teams are working hard to finalise plans, and we’ll be updating our website over the next few days with information about what Council facilities and services will be available under alert level 2.
We’re on this journey with you Kāpiti, and we cannot afford to lower our guard. Alert level 2 will be our “safer normal”, and we ask that you continue to follow the rules, and be patient and kind.
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Markets to maintain physical distancing
Alert level 2 presents some challenges for our much-loved community markets and we’re currently taking steps to contact market organisers to discuss whether they can reopen safely.
We’re working on the basis that community markets operating on public reserves or in Council-owned community venues can operate under alert level 2 providing they can maintain adequate physical distancing between stallholders and comply with the necessary regulations and public health and safety requirements. This is not an easy thing given the nature of the way markets operate, but we're committed to working with market organisers and providing advice and support directly to stallholders to ensure they are clear about their responsibilities and can operate safely within the rules.
The Waikanae Saturday Market will not re-open under alert level 2 on the public reserve at Waikanae Park at this stage. We are currently in discussions with a potential market organiser, and we are confident that we can work together to put the necessary measures in place to ensure the market can get back up and running at Waikanae Park as quickly as possible. Find out more on our website.
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A return to play
All of our district’s public playgrounds, skate parks and courts will reopen under alert level 2. In preparation for the return to play, we’re carrying out maintenance checks and washing down all of our play equipment to remove any dirt that may have settled.
We know everyone is keen to get back and use our playgrounds, skateparks and courts as soon as we move to alert level 2 but we do ask that you continue to follow the physical distancing rules, exercise good hygiene and stay clear of these facilities if you are unwell.
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Kāpiti loves local
Momentum behind a Love Local campaign is gaining traction as residents rally to support the much-loved small businesses that make the district such a great place to live.
Over 1,600 people are now following and contributing to the Love Local Kāpiti Coast Facebook group, a place for Kāpiti locals to share information about their favourite spots and services, and for those businesses to let the community know a little bit more about themselves and what they’re up to.
Check it out for the latest on your favourite local goods, services and trades.
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Rubbish and recycling
There are no changes to our district’s rubbish and recycling collections under alert level 2. Kerbside collections will continue as it did in alert level 3 ,and the Otaki and Otaihanga transfer stations are open for rubbish drop off.
Recycling will continue to go to landfill until the region’s sorting facility gets up and running again. This is temporary and we will update you when the situation changes. See COVID-19 Waste management for more information about rubbish and recycling services under alert level 2.
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Draft annual plan 2020/21
Our draft Annual Plan for 2020/21 is different from other years’ because of COVID-19. The Council’s priority is to focus on essential infrastructure and services, and support our community to recover and rebuild. This is a tough time for many in our community, and Council has worked hard to adjust the plan to allow for our "new normal". We'll continue to assess the situation as the COVID-19 impacts materialise.
Council is funding the annual plan by a mix of increased rates, reduced capital spending and reduced debt repayment, as well as absorbing inflation increases.
Find out more at Proposed Annual Plan 2020/21. We'll be adding to this page in the coming days.
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Gateway building one step closer
Last year we shared information and commenced discussions with iwi, DoC, key users and other stakeholders about opportunities for Kāpiti to secure funding for a Kāpiti Island Gateway Building through the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).
We’ve been working at pace to get a funding application ready for a proposed small (235m²) single-storey multi-purpose community building that will improve biosecurity facilities for Kāpiti Island. It will also include a Discovery Centre to promote local tourism activities and provide a space for people to use and enjoy the views.
Our application is nearly ready and Council will consider the funding application at their Council meeting on 28 May 2020. Read more.
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Infometrics webinar – Budget review
Senior Economist Brad Olsen will also be hosting a Budget Webinar at 10.30am on Friday 15 May. He'll outline what it means, examine some of the key initiatives, and what else we can expect from the Government over the next few months.
He will also provide an update on economic conditions, the Reserve Bank's latest update, and what a shift from Level 3 to Level 2 means, whenever it occurs. As always, there will be time for questions at the end.
Register for the webinar.
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Survival tips and tricks for businesses
Register for this week's webinar session and join us to hear from Jo Williamson, Owner Manager of Golden Goose Foods. She will be sharing how she managed to ensure that her business survived following the Christchurch earthquakes and the valuable lessons that she learnt along the way.
Lessons Learnt: Business Survival Post Christchurch Earthquake
5.00pm Wednesday 13 May 2020
Find out more on the Kāpiti Chamber website.
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Mahara mural back on track
Work on a mural on the façade of the Waikanae Library building in Mahara Place restarted last week with additional safety measures in place. Planning of the temporary mural by local artists Kate Hartmann and Ruth Robertson-Taylor began in November 2019, to celebrate world-renowned New Zealand artist Frances Hodgkins who had close links and affinity for Kāpiti and Waikanae.
The work will depict the artist and two of her textile designs, and will add to the vibrancy of the recently rejuvenated Mahara Place and showcase an important part of Kāpiti’s artistic heritage.
Scaffolding is up and will be in place while the work is completed.
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Need support?
We know it’s tough out there at the moment and we have a financial assistance package in place to help local people and businesses who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The package includes a rates payment deferral through an agreed payment plan for property and water rates falling due between 1 March and 30 June 2020, and tools and resources to help businesses get back on their feet. To find out more, visit our Support package page, or call us on 0800 486 486.
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Share your Kāpiti
We’re lucky to live in such an amazing spot and over the last five weeks we’ve all seen lots of creative and interesting things while out on our daily walks with the people in our bubbles. 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!
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