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Ngā Pitopito kōrero mai i te Kaunihera o Kāpiti
Your weekly update from the Kāpiti Coast District Council
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Kia ora Kāpiti

Kāpiti, you’re doing great at our new safer normal!
Having that bit of extra freedom with alert level 2 feels amazing, doesn’t it? Do remember to keep gatherings to guideline sizes, and maintain physical distancing when you’re around others.
Keep washing those hands, be patient, and be kind!

Council's Emergency Operations Centre wraps up

Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) stood down last Friday after operating for over two months, but its daily jobs have been folded back into Council business as usual. The EOC kept our community informed about what central government was asking them to do, and organised access to essential items for our residents most in need, helping them to be healthy, safe and warm during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strong connections and relationships have been built with the many welfare and volunteer groups over the past two months, as well as with emergency management colleagues across the region, who’ve served Kāpiti so well throughout this time. While our EOC is no longer in operation, Council will continue to support the response for as long as New Zealand remains on alert. Our website will still be updated with information about where to access support and changes to Council services.

Changes coming to building consents

Changes announced by Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa over the weekend will see more projects exempt from requiring building consent.

This will be good news for anyone planning low-risk building work like sleepouts, sheds, carports, outdoor fireplaces, and ground-mounted solar panels. Changes are expected to take effect in August, once legislation is passed.

Of course, any building work done under an exemption must still comply with the New Zealand Building Code, and could require engineer or Licensed Building Practitioner supervision.

Find out more at New Building consent exemptions.

Follow us!

There’s a lot going on at Council, and we have a number of ways you can keep informed.
 
You’ve already found our Everything Kāpiti weekly newsletter, but did you know our Antenno app lets you sign up for Council alerts to your phone about local places you’re interested in? Antenno is also a fast easy way you can send us info about Council-related issues, like a tree that's fallen and is blocking a road. 
 
We also have a Neighbourly page, a number of Facebook pages, Instagram account, and regular media releases – check out our Follow us page for a range of ways you can stay informed.

Take your tamariki Beyond the Page

Wellington region’s free literary festival for tamariki and their whānau returns this Queen’s Birthday weekend for a three-day online edition of events, workshops, and performances.

Our libraries have teamed up with others around the region to entertain, excite, and inspire children to explore the world of story from the comfort of home. Beyond the Page runs from Saturday 30 May to Monday 1 June. All events are free, but you will need to book for some. Events include an illustration workshop, a one-off video performance of Duck, Death, and the Tulip, a family quiz night and more.  For the full programme, visit facebook.com/beyondthepagenz.

Back in the swim

It's great to see familiar faces back at Coastlands Aquatic Centre and Ōtaki Pool! We're open every day for lane swimming, jogging and walking.
 
Working in a staged approach, we've reopened the spa pools, with restricted numbers and bookings so we can manage demand and safety. The Aquatic Centre's sauna is still closed for now.
 
Swimming classes and Aquafit have not started just yet, but we're focusing on those for early June and we'll keep you posted.
There's more information on our website.

Rumble a reminder to be prepared

Yesterday’s magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Levin was an unwelcome start to the day, and the aftershocks since haven't been a lot of fun, either! They're a timely reminder that, while we can’t predict when a quake will happen, we can protect ourselves and our family by being prepared.

In an emergency, you may need to evacuate quickly, or you could be stuck at home for three days or more. Check out our Council website and WREMO’s Personal Preparedness page for what you need to know and do to be prepared for an emergency.

We undertook rapid assessments on a number of our public buildings yesterday to evaluate if the shake created any safety risks. One building suffered only minor damage, which we are investigating, and it’s safe to continue to visit our venues.

Tohorā sculpture being installed

We’re excited that installation of the long-awaited Tohorā sculpture started at Te Uruhi/ Maclean Park this week.

The work, by internationally-renowned New Zealand artist Kereama Taepa, has been custom designed for the space, and symbolises the journey of whales and other travellers through the Te Rau o te Rangi waters – the strait between Kāpiti Island and the mainland.

Work started on Monday 25 June and is expected to take around two weeks to complete. A formal blessing will follow installation.

For more information see Major artwork to be installed at Te Uruhi/Maclean Park.

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!

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Kāpiti Coast District Council
Private Bag 60601
Paraparaumu 5254
04 296 4700 | 0800 486 486
kapiti.council@kapiticoast.govt.nz 
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Copyright © 2020 Kāpiti Coast District Council, All rights reserved.

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