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Council adopts plan to attract visitors to the region
We are excited to announce that Council has adopted a new Destination Management Plan (DMP) to help attract more visitors to our district from neighbouring regions and across the country.
Drawing on extensive engagement with iwi, local partners, and sector stakeholders, and research by Colmar Brunton, the plan provides a strategic framework and over 60 key actions to help increase the number of visitors to the Kāpiti Coast, their length of stay, and the amount they spend while here.
Developed by TRC Tourism, in partnership with Council and the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board, the plan looks at how we should manage all aspects of our district that contribute to a visitor’s experience.
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In this month's newsletter:
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Over the past few weeks the Economic Development Team have been focused on business support during COVID Alert Levels 4 and 3 including promoting businesses online that could trade safely, and supporting those getting ready for Level 2.
More recently, we have continued our sector focus under Council’s Economic Development Strategy starting with tourism, retail, and now food and beverage.
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In the tourism sector members received presentations from WellingtonNZ on the detailed research underpinning the Destination Management Plan.
In the retail space we have begun our focus on Raumati Village, working closely with businesses and consultants First Retail to understand how best to promote and enhance this niche shopping experience to residents and visitors.
We have also begun work with food and beverage companies to gauge their appetite for collaboration in scaling up their operations and innovating their product offering. We are keen to hear from F&B producers about their needs and plans for the future, as the ED Team supports new partnerships with industry led by the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board. Please get in touch with us if you would like to help inform this strategy.
Please read on for more news and information about business activity in Kāpiti.
Mark Ward
Economic Development Manager
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A new tourism campaign has launched, targeting those within driving distance. Leveraging Tourism NZ’s Do Something New brand, the campaign uses the season opening for our hero attraction, Kapiti Island tours, and entices visitors to “See a New side to Kapiti Island”.
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To encourage a short break to the Kāpiti Coast, four itineraries have been developed featuring a number of Kāpiti Coast tourism businesses and activities, to appeal to families, nature lovers, foodies and those who are looking for a relaxing escape.
The campaign will be supported by DoC and WellingtonNZ, with stories, video, a website landing page, and digital promotion.
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Save the date – Sustainable Business Workshop
24 November
The Sustainable Business Network, in partnership with the British High Commission Wellington, is delivering a workshop to teach you new skills and inspire you to take action.
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If you’re just starting to take action, or want to re-energise your efforts, join the interactive workshop. You will leave with:
- A practical understanding of the actions your business can take to reduce its emissions
- A tailored action plan, containing simple steps to reduce your carbon emissions using the free online Climate Action Toolbox
- Help from our climate experts on setting targets, such as looking at Race to Zero - a global campaign rallying businesses, like yours, to take urgent climate action
- Guidance from the SBN team on how to build confidence and create change in your business.
Keep an eye out for the release of this webinar and get in quick as spaces are limited.
If you'd like further information about this workshop, please get in touch.
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Last week Jo Heaton, Tourism and Visitor Economy Manager, WellingtonNZ, advised a gathering of Kāpiti tourism sector businesses about the value of the Qualmark ratings to businesses focused on domestic tourism, now that Tourism NZ is focused on the domestic visitor market.
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Jo advised that Tourism NZ have waived Qualmark fees until NZ reopens its border to our three major international markets.
Congratulations to the following accommodation businesses who have recently achieved a Qualmark rating:
Aston Road Villa Bed and Breakfast
Cottage 103 – Sudbury
The Big Bach
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Our development of the workforce plan is continuing. The plan will look at how we can develop, attract, and retain a skilled and competitive workforce to support our local economy.
If you would like to have input into the workforce plan please email us.
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Kāpiti Coast District Council joins the Aotearoa Refill Biz Challenge
Council is encouraging other businesses to take up the challenge - which business can get the most staff to switch to tap water and swap those single use plastic bottles for a reusable bottle for 30 days or more.
By doing so we’ll be helping to reduce plastic waste and CO2 emissions, while saving money and improving health.
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Join the challenge, then promote it to staff - RefillNZ can supply marketing collateral. Staff who have registered will go in the weekly draw to win great prizes.
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31 people attended the 2021 Rebel Business School Kāpiti and made the most of the free ten-day workshop to start their businesses.
34% of the new businesses made a sale during the Trade Show.
This video shows highlights from the workshop.
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Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce
Chamber is back with a calendar of events for October, including the Women in Business Spring Lunch, BA5 and How to Network to Grow Your Business.
Chamber event calendar
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Electra Business and Innovation Awards
Ticket sales have been extended for the awards night which is now on 5 November 2021.
Get your tickets here
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Startup Weekend
Startup Weekend is now on the weekend of 12-14 November at the Ramaroa Building, Queen Elizabeth Park.
Find out more
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Kiwis spend overseas travel budgets locally
Around 20% of the annual spending that Kiwis would have put towards overseas trips has gone to domestic tourism since borders shut in March 2020.
Find out more
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Scale Up NZ by Callaghan Innovation
This free platform helps you navigate New Zealand’s business and innovation ecosystem. Find collaborators and investors, track investments, search for key players, and explore up-to-date market data.
Find out more
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Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund investment round now open
Up to $4 million is available for proposals that strengthen capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori and the science and innovation system.
Find out more
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Amotai turns one
Amotai provides Māori and Pasifika businesses with connections to buyers who recognise the added social value buying from Māori and Pasifika businesses can create in our communities.
Register your business
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Noho ora mai,
Kāpiti Coast District Council
Economic Development Team
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