KĀPITI LANDOWNERS CONSERVING HERITAGE LAND TO GET RATES SUPPORT

Local landowners who play an important role in protecting and managing the special natural heritage features of the Kāpiti District will get just over $29,000 of rates support from the Kāpiti Coast District Council. 

The Council’s Operations and Finance Committee approved this support for 102 properties across 664 hectares of land last week under its Rates Remission Policy. 

Committee chairperson Cr Michael Scott said Council’s policy played an important role in recognising ratepayers’ conservation efforts and the positive impact their work makes to the Kāpiti District’s cultural and biodiversity values. 

This includes activities like pest and weed control to maintain and restore ecological health of our region’s signature land features, like our wetlands, bush remnants and swamp and dune forests. 

“We are lucky in Kāpiti to have property owners who are prepared to voluntarily protect and manage their environment, where these have a close connection to some of our unique and special land features. 

“Whether its fencing off bush to protect it from stock intrusion or removing other pressures on the land like noxious pests, we are making a contribution to just a small part of the actual costs to those landowners,” Cr Scott said. 

Some of the properties have legal protections through the District Plan and the policy also offered an added incentive for these to be respected, he said. 

Landowners who receive the rebate are required to have a Heritage Management Plan for the heritage feature of their property. Council regularly reviews the plan with the landowner. 

The total number of recipients is up from 99 last year with three new properties approved this year in Otaki, Waikanae and Paraparaumu.

-KCDC

Kāpiti Coast District Council launches Antenno

The Kāpiti Coast District Council has launched Antenno, a free mobile app that allows residents to raise issues with Council, and be alerted to Council service-related things going on in their neighbourhood. 

Group Manager People and Partnerships Janice McDougall says Antenno will make it easier for Kāpiti Coast residents to stay up-to-date and connect with the Council using their smart phones.

"Antenno provides a new way for local residents to connect with the Council on their terms. Residents can send and receive Council-related information straight from their phone, so they don't have to scroll through newsfeeds to find out what’s going on." 

“They can choose the places they want to be alerted about, so they only get information for the locations they care about. This might include their street, place of work, or where their kids go to school.”  

Notifications from Council will include information about road works, major water outages, pool and library closures, Council events, consultations, and rates payment and dog registration reminders.  

“You can tailor the alerts to the different places you’ve added, and you can opt out of topics that aren't of interest to you. For example, if you don’t have a dog, you can choose not to receive dog registration reminders.” 

Mrs McDougall says another key feature of the app is the ability for residents to raise issues with the Council directly from their smart phones.  

“The app prompts you to enter all the information we need to action a service request with the added benefit of being able to upload a photo and geographical location.” 

“This is a significant step forward for our Council as it means people can report issues such as graffiti in public places that needs to be removed or a tree down on the Waikanae River track in real time from their smart phones.” 

If residents want to alert Council to urgent issues outside of working hours (8am-5pm, Monday to Friday), they’ll need call 0800 486 486 so Council can respond immediately. Otherwise, their enquiry will be processed on the next business day.  

Twelve other councils around the country are already using Antenno to connect with their communities. The app is free and available to download now through the App Store or Google Play. 

For more information about Antenno, visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/antenno

-KCDC

The Kāpiti Coast Civic Awards and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards open for nominations on 1 April

The Kāpiti Coast District’s annual Civic Awards paired with the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards are back again to honour the outstanding people who make our neighbourhoods and communities the special places they are.  

Mayor K Gurunathan says that while the awards are annual, this year’s round is particularly poignant in light of how New Zealand has been on the world stage over the past few weeks, demonstrating how inclusive, engaged, and kind communities can be. 

“This year the awards come at a time when we are all turning our focus inward on our communities, on our neighbours, and how to look after one another – despite all of our differences – and possibly because of them. We’re seeing the incredible resilience and connectedness of our communities and our neighbourhoods. 

“We’re celebrating what makes the Kāpiti Coast so unique, and the often quiet heroes in the background who volunteer tireless hours and lend generous skills and effort all year round to lead our communities to grow and support themselves.” 

The Civic Awards are our area’s highest honour for individual residents who’ve made a lasting impact in the community. Based on public nominations, Council gives awards based on exemplary volunteer   service or outstanding service in their professional field.  

Nominees are volunteers in areas like the environment, social services, education, youth, and culture.  

The Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards recognise the contributions made by community groups in six categories: arts and culture, education and youth development, health and wellbeing, heritage and environment, sports and leisure, and rising star.  

To nominate a deserving recipient for the Civic Award or to put a group forward for the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, see www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/civic-awards Nominations open on Monday 1 April, but hurry because nominations close 31 May.

-KCDC

Appeal to National Library: Block Access to Gun-Related Violent Games on Computers in Public Libraries.

Photo by Specna Arms on Unsplash

Statement by Kapiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan 28th March 2019 

I'm making an open appeal to the staff at the National Library who manage the public computers accessed by public libraries across the country.  Please take immediate steps to block access to gun-focused violent killing games. The recent horrific gun-related violence in Christchurch has created debate on the potential damage of such entertainment culture especially on young minds. 

Public access to computers in our libraries is being accessed by school children to log into these games. I understand from our library staff that we cannot block such access to websites ourselves at our local level. We are locked into a national consortium managed by the National Library. 

I don't think it's the intention of our public service to provide such access as part of our commitment to the benefits of open education. Primary school children should especially not be able to access such games. At the most, responsibility for such access should be a private decision made through parental guidance.

Following a complaint at one of our libraries our staff have placed notices by all public computers at all our libraries asking that, out of respect, such violent games are not played on them. Staff have also spoken directly to regular users of these games and where possible to the parents. In the meantime staff are seeking a long term national policy decision from the National Library.

ENDS

Kāpiti Coast community encouraged to attend National Remembrance Service in Wellington

Kāpiti Coast Mayor K Gurunathan is encouraging the Kāpiti Coast community to join people from across the region in Wellington this Friday to commemorate the 50 people who lost their lives in the Christchurch mosques terrorist attack. 

Mayor Gurunathan said the National Remembrance Service will be simultaneously broadcast live from Christchurch to an event in Wellington between 10am and 11am on Friday 29 March.  

“Coming together as a nation to pay tribute to the victims of this barbaric attack is an important part of the grieving process and I welcome the move by the Wellington City Council to host an event for our region.  

“The Police have advised that local resources will be diverted to Wellington for the day so I urge people who are thinking about traveling into the city to watch the service to consider using public transport or to share a ride with friends and whanau.” 

Details of the service, including where people can come together to watch the National Remembrance Service in Wellington, will be announced later in the week.  

Mayor Gurunathan confirmed the Kāpiti Coast District Council would be supporting the Wellington event. He said the Council would not be looking to host a similar event locally for people to gather to watch the service.

-KCDC

Let a Thousand Haka Resound Against the Attack

Joint statement by Mayor K Gurunathan and Mayor Mike Tana 19th March 2019 

This Friday at 1.40pm, the exact time a week ago, when the attacker opened fire on the innocent in Christchurch, school groups on the Kapiti Coast and Porirua will respond with a simultaneous Haka. The three main colleges in Kapiti (Otaki College, Paraparaumu College, Kapiti College) have committed to this synchronised unified response. A call has gone out to primary schools to join us.   

Let those taking part observe a minute of silence at 1.39pm in respect of those killed, their families and the people of Christchurch. And then deliver a resounding haka in defiance of everything the attack stands for. We will not be terrorised. We urge those participating to livestream, record and upload their haka videos online. 

"As a migrant who has found a home here, I know that there can be no other response as powerful and deep seated in the NZ psyche than the haka which has the ability to unite all Kiwis" says Mayor K Gurunathan. 

Mayor Mike Tana said Porirua was a diverse and inclusive City. "We stand with all our communities to support Christchurch. Unity will show strength and the way forward. We are particularly proud that our young people wish to be part of this unified response to such a horrendous event," he added. 

We are asking other mayors to join us. We appeal to the media to help us reach as many as possible. 

The brutal merciless killing has shocked and numbed the nation. We enter a time of deep reflection gathering in small and large groups to convey our heartfelt grief and pain to the families of the victims and to the Muslim community at large for what has happened. As New Zealanders we are shocked that this has happened in our country. 

But, as our Prime Rt. Hon Minister Jacinda Ardern had quickly and correctly observed, the attacker's social media postings showed he had deliberately chosen New Zealand to prove that even a nation like Aotearoa New Zealand, far from the international turmoil of war and terror, cannot escape this global evil. It's a calculated strategy to attack our strength as a largely tolerant, peaceful society of diverse communities.

We cannot allow that to happen. There is a season for all things. Today is a season for deep reflection. Of standing together as families, neighbours, communities and as a nation in support of the victims and their families, and each other. There is also a season for defiance. A defiance that is growing. A defiance that says: 

WE ARE KIWIS

WE ARE ONE

WE ARE NEW ZEALANDERS

WE WILL NOT BE TERRORISED.

 As Mayors of Porirua and Kapiti Coast, we call on other Mayors and their communities to respond similarly. Let a thousand haka resound across the country with this message.

ENDS

Support for the people of Christchurch

In response to Friday’s tragic events in Christchurch, the Kāpiti Coast District Council will place condolence books in the District’s libraries for people to leave messages of support and sympathy for those affected by the Christchurch mosque shootings.  

Mayor K Gurunathan said condolence books will be available in the Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae pop up and Ōtaki libraries from tomorrow, Tuesday 19 March, until Wednesday 27 March for people to sign during library open hours. 

“At a time like this it’s humbling to see our community coming together and rallying round to support the families of those who so tragically lost their lives in Christchurch on Friday. 

“Kindness and solidarity will help get us through this and we shouldn’t let Friday’s barbaric attack define us as a community or a nation.” 

Mayor Gurunathan said a number of people have been asking after where they can leave flowers affected by Friday’s tragic events.  

While there’s no official site the following locations have been self-identified by the community; the ‘peace pole’ in Paekākāriki, outside the Ōtaki Memorial Hall in Ōtaki, outside the Waikanae Memorial Hall in Waikanae and by the KiwiRiders sculpture off Marine Parade in Paraparaumu Beach. 

Donations to support the families and friends most affected by Friday’s tragedy can be made by visiting givealittle or LaunchGood.  

For more information about how you can show your support for the people of Christchurch visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/whats-on/News/2019/support-for-the-people-of-christchurch/

-KCDC

COUNCIL DISCUSSES KEY AREAS OF FOCUS FOR 2019-20

Kāpiti Coast District Council’s annual plan process for the 2019/20 year is underway with Councillors agreeing proposed key areas of focus yesterday. Mayor K Gurunathan says the draft plan sets out the activities the Council plans to deliver in 2019/20 and the proposed rates increase for the year.

“We’re committed to continuing on the path we set down in year two of our Toitū Kāpiti long term plan 2018-38. This includes continuing to manage and upgrade our water infrastructure, work to address flood risks, improving our local roads and community facilities. “As we are not proposing any significant changes in the year ahead, we are not formally consulting on any change options this time round. Instead, we are taking the opportunity to remind the community of what’s planned.”

A summary of what’s proposed in the draft 20/19 annual plan will be available online and in Council service centres in early April 2019. The Mayor encouraged people to take an interest in the draft plan. “We’re always interested in what our community has to say and welcome questions or comments on the draft plan.”

“Councillors will carefully consider all feedback received before they decide to adopt the final 2019/20 annual plan on the 23 May 2019.” Further information about the draft 2019/20 annual plan and how to provide feedback is available on Council’s website www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Your-Council/Planning/annual-and-long-term-plans/annual-plan-2019-20/

- KCDC

Council clarifies dog control rules with new bylaw

Photo: Charles 🇵🇭 

A new dog control bylaw and policy, adopted by Council today, aims to clarify the responsibilities of dog walkers in public spaces.

“The bylaw provides more guidance about the rules for walking dogs in some of our open spaces, such as sports grounds, rivers and reserves. It also gives more detail on where dogs can play without a lead,” says Kāpiti Coast District Council Environmental Standards Manager, Jacquie Muir.

“Some spaces in our District call for better dog control than others because they’re either an important habitat for wildlife or culturally significant.

“While the previous policy and bylaw required dog walkers to keep their dogs on a lead in these spaces, the new rules will give more clarity on where these places are and why there are restrictions.”

Ms Muir says the bylaw is also about keeping our public spaces clean and tidy and makes it clearer that not cleaning up your dog’s faeces is an offense and can result in a fine.

“We received about 100 submissions from people and community groups during our consultation on new rules last year. We’re confident they strikes a good balance between protecting our public spaces without unnecessarily restricting the freedoms of dog owners.”      

“Over the coming months we’ll be running a full information campaign on the new rules, which will include signage in public areas, communicating with dog owners, and more information on our website.”

- KCDC

Government audit commends Council’s approach to supplying drinking water

The recently released Auditor-General’s report, Managing the supply of and demand for drinking water, shows that the Kāpiti Coast District Council is setting a good example in their future-focused approach to supplying drinking water. The report was presented to the House of Representatives yesterday following an audit of four councils’ approaches to supplying drinking water.

Mayor K Gurunathan is extremely pleased with the results, and says the results are timely given the water management discussions going on across the country.

“The report highlights that the Kāpiti Coast District Council takes a very different approach to supplying drinking water when compared to the other Councils audited.

“The Council’s strategic focus on the whole system means we’re leading the way on many fronts. This includes reducing water use, detecting and repairing leaks, future-proofing, working with Iwi, gathering data, and supporting our residents on water-related matters, including affordability and leak repair,” said the Mayor.  

“We’ve made a significant financial and strategic commitment to improving the District’s water supply in recent years, and while this hasn’t been popular with everyone, the community as a whole is really starting to see the benefits.”

Since introducing water meters in 2015, 75% of ratepayers pay less for water than they would if the Council stayed with the previous one size fits all approach for managing water supply.

“Peak daily water use has decreased by about 25% since introducing water meters, and we’re one of only a handful of Councils who didn’t have to put water restrictions in place over summer,” the Mayor said.

“While we acknowledge that every council has its own unique circumstances we believe it’s in the interests of all councils to move to a more sustainable long-term approach to supplying their drinking water.”

- KCDC