Ōtaki
Discover what makes Ōtaki unique by exploring our community’s vision for the future of our People, Place, and Partnerships. These areas of focus reflect your insights and aspirations, so we can shape a future where we deepen our connections, protect our natural and cultural treasures, and build partnerships that support a thriving Ōtaki for generations to come.
When you see this symbol, click to hear insights shared by our community during the engagement process.
People | Place | Partnership
Your Vision for Kāpiti
Together, we’ve shaped a vision for Kāpiti that reflects our collective aspirations for the district through 2060 and beyond. By understanding what our community values and the changes they wish to see, we can plan for growth that is sustainable and supports our place, people, and partnerships to thrive.
Each theme reflects your insights, our shared connections, and the shifts we want to make for a vibrant, inclusive future. Explore how your feedback guides our commitment to strengthening community bonds, respecting our environment, and building a collaborative future for generations to come.
Ōtaki is a vibrant and diverse community that values its cultural diversity and community connections and champions bilingual and bicultural inclusivity. There are strong creative and cultural industries, and the community seeks more opportunities for community interaction through enhanced social infrastructure and hubs. The community would like to see improved access to healthcare and better public transport networks.
We’ve heard that you would like to work together to foster safe, vibrant spaces that celebrate cultural diversity, support our young people, and bring our communities together.
Connections
Where we are
We have strong community bonds, a small-town character, and a focus on youth and cultural activities.
Where we want to be by 2060+
A thriving, connected community with inclusive spaces and regular cultural events.
The shift we want to make
Developing youth-focused facilities and grounds. Supporting cultural events and amenities to service events. Providing nice safe spaces for gatherings.
Your ideas
Health
Where we are
We face limited access to healthcare services and are concerned about the availability of local primary and emergency care.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Comprehensive local primary healthcare with mental health support and after-hours urgent care. Open access to regional hospital services both to the North and South.
The shift we want to make
Establishing a local health hub, improving GP and emergency services, and enhancing mental health care. Advocating for better access to hospitals.
Your ideas
Energy
Where we are
We are interested in sustainability, with an emphasis on renewable energy sources.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Sustainable energy infrastructure with widespread adoption of renewables.
The shift we want to make
Promoting renewable energy projects and integrating sustainability into planning.
Your ideas
Networks & Connectivity
Where we are
We are concerned about limited public transport options, road safety, and pedestrian access.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Safe, accessible public transport network with improved road safety and better pathways.
The shift we want to make
Advocating to expand the public bus and train services. Improving local road design and management to meet safety objectives. Providing new and enhancing existing pedestrian and cycle pathways.
Your ideas
Food
Where we are
We support local food resilience initiatives.
Where we want to be by 2060+
A strong local food system enhancing community resilience.
The shift we want to make
Supporting community gardens and local food initiatives. Protecting agricultural and horticultural enterprise.
Your ideas
Housing
Where we are
We have high unmet demand for affordable, diverse housing options and are concerned about housing development costs.
Where we want to be by 2060+
We have access to a range of affordable housing options, including public housing. Housing development preserves community character.
The shift we want to make
Supporting affordable housing initiatives. Advocating for more public housing. Streamline district planning and consenting processes. Planning and designing to preserve Ōtaki’s character and cultural heritage.
Your ideas
Income and Work
Where we are
We desire more local employment opportunities and support for our local businesses.
Where we want to be by 2060+
A thriving local economy with diverse employment options and vibrant local businesses.
The shift we want to make
Encouraging investment and supporting local entrepreneurship. Promoting Ōtaki as a destination to visit and explore. Support revitalising shopping areas and beach areas to boost appeal.
Your ideas
Peace, Safety, Equality
Where we are
We are concerned about community safety, including anti-social behaviours. Need better access to social services including police. Need safety through design with safety and security systems.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Ōtaki is a safe, inclusive community with high-quality public spaces, and robust safety and security measures. We are well served by locally present social services.
The shift we want to make
Advocating for increasing social services available locally, including police. Improving urban design through crime prevention philosophy and safety and security systems.
Your ideas
Education and Training
Where we are
We need to enhance support for educational providers so they can expand vocational learning opportunities. Better youth and young adult educational and sports resources are wanted.
Where we want to be by 2060+
We enjoy comprehensive learning opportunities and educational infrastructure. Focus is on lifelong learning and vocational training.
The shift we want to make
Advocating for new classrooms/schools to meet population growth. Supporting existing education providers, and encouraging expansion of vocational programs.
Your ideas
Ōtaki has a rural outlook and a small-town feel. The township is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes; nestled by the Ōtaki River and bounded between the Tararua Range and Tasman Sea, its unique heritage and access to the outdoors are central to the town’s identity. The community would like to see innovative housing models that preserve the existing character of the town. There is strong support for local food systems and community gardens to ensure a resilient local food system.
Guided by your feedback, we aim to protect and enhance these places for future generations through sustainable land use that accommodates growth whilst preserving productivity and natural character.
Land Use
Where we are
We are concerned about balancing growth with the preservation of our community character.
Where we want to be by 2060+
We have balanced, sustainable growth that is sympathetic to community character and cultural heritage.
The shift we want to make
Strategic planning to avoid sprawl and preserve open spaces.
Coordinating urban design, residential growth and the provision of infrastructural services. Focusing on enhancing our beaches and river access, community areas and green spaces.
Your ideas
Biodiversity
Where we are
We value our connection to natural habitats and green spaces.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Thriving ecosystems with protected natural areas and healthy biodiversity.
The shift we want to make
Working to enhance habitat protection, including at the beaches. Expanding green spaces and access to those spaces. Achieve predator-free status
Your ideas
Climate
Where we are
We are committed to climate resilience and support community-driven sustainability efforts.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Community-led climate adaptation and strong environmental stewardship has led to widespread climate-conscious behaviors.
The shift we want to make
Promoting sustainable practices. Developing and implement adaptation strategies. Educating the community about climate change facts.
Your ideas
Water/Ocean Health
Where we are
We are concerned about our natural freshwater and seawater quality.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Resilient and healthy freshwater and seawater. Design and development preserves or restores waterways and wetlands.
The shift we want to make
Improving stormwater management. Managing saline intrusion into freshwater ecosystems. Designing principles and planning protect water quality.
Your ideas
Ōtaki thrives on trust, collaboration, and through collaboratively achieving shared goals. The community values governance that reflects their voices and fosters partnerships that empower everyone. There is a desire for minimising costs and a focus on essential infrastructure to reduce impact on rates. The community supports diverse community initiatives and events, including celebrating local culture and belonging.
Trust & Confidence
Where we are
We call for increased transparency and better communication from the Council.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Trusted, transparent governance with strong community involvement.
The shift we want to make
Improving Council transparency, including around project costs. Establishing better ways of communicating more effectively with the community.
Your ideas
Community Partnership
Where we are
We want to improve community partnerships.
Where we want to be by 2060+
Strong community partnerships influence decisions.
The shift we want to make
Supporting valued community projects. Fostering partnerships with the community.
Your ideas
Shared Direction
Where we are
We have a strong desire for inclusive, participatory decision-making processes.
Where we want to be by 2060+
We have inclusive governance with regular community feedback and participation
The shift we want to make
Fostering participatory decision-making.
Empowering the community board to the extent legally and corporately possible.
Your ideas
Your ideas