Completed – Open space strategy

This project was archived on 24 March 2022.

The Open Space Strategy [PDF 7.23 MB] for Kāpiti sets in place a vision for protecting and enhancing the district’s awesome network of parks and reserves, urban space and pathways for the next 30 years. 

The strategy was formally adopted by Council on Thursday 24 March 2022. It is designed to safeguard and guide the delivery of open space, aiming to make sure we have the right spaces in the right places and that what we love about Kāpiti is protected. Our district is known for its open spaces, and as a place with easy access to the outdoors. We’re lucky to live somewhere with such easy access to beaches, parks, reserves, trails, sports fields and an increasing number of quality urban public spaces; we have plenty of opportunities to get outside and connect with the land.

As our community has grappled with lockdowns and ongoing the uncertainty of COVID-19, our open spaces have played a vital part in keeping our community well. Whether a river track or playing field, they’ve provided us with places to exercise, educate, be with family, or seek solace and reconnect with our environment.

Vision

The strategy’s vision is for Kāpiti to have “a vibrant, diverse, thriving and interconnected open space network that supports the connection of the community to the environment, enhancing the mauri* of both”.

(*mauri refers to the essential quality or vitality of a being or entity)

The Open Space Strategy sets the direction for how we provide and manage our district’s open spaces network. It looks ahead to the next 30 years, and the challenges and opportunities we’re likely to see, including a changing climate, population growth and change, and advances in technology.

Developing the strategy

The strategy was developed with iwi and stakeholders, and we engaged with our community in 2019 to gather information and feedback on existing issues and options. We formally consulted the community in late 2021, receiving positive feedback and useful suggestions. 

Issues and opportunities identified by the public, stakeholders and partners have been addressed in the strategy. These include things like:

• carbon neutrality
• biodiversity
• accessibility
• iwi partnership
• mauri and sustainable environments
• technology
• identity
• urban design
• crime prevention through environmental design.

What the strategy covers

The Open Space Strategy [PDF 7.23 MB] outlines:

• types of open space
• kaupapa (values), huanga (objectives) and tikanga (approaches) to protecting and enhancing open spaces
• issues, opportunities and trends in the existing network
• approaches for setting our future direction and guiding future open space acquisitions.

The strategy’s priorities include: 

• continuing the protection, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment;
• providing diverse open space types to support a good quality of life for everyone and build community resilience; and
• designing and developing a connected network that enhances use and visitor experience for all ages, ethnicities and abilities. 

It includes a framework to effectively deliver aspects of the Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Act 2019, which requires local authorities to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing for their communities, following a sustainable development approach.

Timeline