Mayoral Musings – 30 August 2024

First published in Ōtaki Today 30 August 2024

Recently an open home was held to view more homes being completed in Ōtaki by Kainga Ora.  These homes are welcome, but local people are often missing out on accessing them.

A hui held this month hosted by Councillor Shelly Warwick and the Ōtaki Community Board brought together representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, Kainga Ora, Ngā Hapu o Ōtaki and Kapiti Coast District Council to have a Kōrero about how to make sure that local people in need have access to any new social housing being built in Ōtaki.

It was also clear that the representatives from Kainga Ora and MSD were listening to the message, and there was an undertaking from everyone present that there would be more communication to make sure that local people in need have an opportunity to be considered for placement in these homes.

In a separate project, Council is progressing work to deliver some affordable housing in Ōtaki with help from a grant from central government. These homes will be targeted to affordable homes for people on lower incomes and will contribute to helping people who don’t qualify for social housing, but can’t afford the growing rental prices in the town.

On another note, there has been a lot of council activity involving young people in Ōtaki.  The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs has been delivering Learner Drivers courses and other programmes, and the Kapiti Coast Youth Council has been active with a number of hui with local rangatahi.

These have included conversations with Nga Hapu’s leadership Rōpū, a workshop around the Long-term Plan and engagement during Youth Week.

A number of young people and organisations led by rangatahi were recognised with ThinkBig grants, run by the Youth Council.  Te Raukura ki Ōtaki were a stand-out on the night. It was so inspiring to hear about their work supporting young people in Otaki in so many ways. 

Delivering Learner Drivers courses for our local rangatahi. 

Another recognition for a local project was an award for the Te Horo Beach improvements which have been spearheaded by Waikanae Community Board Deputy Chair Michael Moore.  At the Local Government New Zealand Community Boards conference held recently in Wellington, the project received a Highly Commended in the Enhancing Spaces category. These awards are hotly contested by community boards across the country, so congratulations to Mike, council staff and everyone who was involved in the project.

Finally, congratulations to Ōtaki Players on a wonderful production of The Wedding Singer, held at Southward Theatre recently.  The music, costumes and performances were outstanding.