Latest news with #KāpitiCoastDistrictCouncil
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Make The Most Of The Coast With The Creative Communities Scheme
Press Release – Kapiti Coast District Council To be eligible for funding, projects need to have an arts or cultural focus and take place within the Kpiti Coast. Applications open Wednesday 16 July and close at 5pm Monday, 11 August. Kāpiti Coast District Council is thrilled to announce that the first round of the Creative Communities Scheme 2025/26 is open for applications. The twice-yearly scheme is funded by Creative New Zealand to support local arts and cultural projects. This round has about $23,000 available to share across projects that create opportunities to create or celebrate the Kāpiti Coast's fabulous cultural scene. Funded projects must take place between 16 September 2025 and 16 September 2026. Council arts events coordinator Nerita Clark says individuals and organisations are able to apply for funding. 'The scheme means we're able to support a range of inspirational projects that really add to the vibrancy of the district,' Ms Clark says. 'The recipients of our most recent round of funding have been working on exciting projects, from inclusive art or dance classes, to writing workshops or retreats, children's theatre, exhibitions and arts exchange, as well as an innovative, multimodal programme of weaving, dance and workshops. 'We're open to all kinds of arts projects, and welcome anything that creates opportunities for our local communities to get involved, but especially projects that support diversisty and encourage cultural or youth participation. 'We're delighted to administer this scheme in partnership with Creative NZ, so our community has the opportunity to participate in local arts and nurture emerging talent. 'The Creative Communities Scheme recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and it's enduring sucess shows that the arts are truly valued. 'It's fantastic to be albe to support grassroots arts projects, and we're always excited to see applications for new projects that will inspire creativity on the coast,' Ms Clark says. To be eligible for funding, projects need to have an arts or cultural focus and take place within the Kāpiti Coast. Applications open Wednesday 16 July and close at 5pm Monday, 11 August.
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Make The Most Of The Coast With The Creative Communities Scheme
Kāpiti Coast District Council is thrilled to announce that the first round of the Creative Communities Scheme 2025/26 is open for applications. The twice-yearly scheme is funded by Creative New Zealand to support local arts and cultural projects. This round has about $23,000 available to share across projects that create opportunities to create or celebrate the Kāpiti Coast's fabulous cultural scene. Funded projects must take place between 16 September 2025 and 16 September 2026. Council arts events coordinator Nerita Clark says individuals and organisations are able to apply for funding. 'The scheme means we're able to support a range of inspirational projects that really add to the vibrancy of the district,' Ms Clark says. 'The recipients of our most recent round of funding have been working on exciting projects, from inclusive art or dance classes, to writing workshops or retreats, children's theatre, exhibitions and arts exchange, as well as an innovative, multimodal programme of weaving, dance and workshops. 'We're open to all kinds of arts projects, and welcome anything that creates opportunities for our local communities to get involved, but especially projects that support diversisty and encourage cultural or youth participation. 'We're delighted to administer this scheme in partnership with Creative NZ, so our community has the opportunity to participate in local arts and nurture emerging talent. 'The Creative Communities Scheme recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and it's enduring sucess shows that the arts are truly valued. 'It's fantastic to be albe to support grassroots arts projects, and we're always excited to see applications for new projects that will inspire creativity on the coast,' Ms Clark says. To be eligible for funding, projects need to have an arts or cultural focus and take place within the Kāpiti Coast. Applications open Wednesday 16 July and close at 5pm Monday, 11 August.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Major Event Strategy Delivers A $6.7 Million Boost For Kāpiti Coast
Kāpiti Coast District Council's Major Events Fund delivered an exceptional return for the year 2024/25, with $6.7 million injected into the local economy from $200,000 of investment. More than 80,000 people attended ten Council-supported events across the district last year, including visitors from across Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Kotahitanga Board Chair Neil Mackay says with a *33.5 to 1 return on investment, the results speak for themselves. 'These events are drawing new audiences, building our district's reputation as a destination, and delivering tangible benefits for local retailers, hospitality teams, volunteers, and the tourism sector,' says Mr Mackay. 'The Major Events Fund is a clear example of a smart, visitor attraction strategy delivering real results in real time. 'And real money is being put back into local hands, driving spending in our businesses, and giving Kāpiti a stronger platform for long-term growth – showing why economic development matters.' Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says the events the fund has supported are not a luxury, they're a powerful tool for community wellbeing and local momentum. 'They bring people together, create memorable experiences, support local businesses, and build pride in the places we call home,' says Mayor Holborow. 'Across the district, these events are helping our towns bounce back, not just economically, but socially and culturally.' The 2024/25 events included triathlons and trail runs, the Māoriland Film Festival, Matariki celebrations, the Ōtaki Kite Festival, Kāpiti Food Fair, and the inaugural Kāpiti Classic music concert. Mayor Holborow says across the district, these events built connection and unity, while attracting visitor investment in our people and places. 'Backed by a smart strategy and strong results, the Major Events Fund is doing exactly what it was designed to do: strengthening the Coast, one event at a time. We look forward to announcing the 2025/26 recipients soon.'
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Care For Kāpiti, Stand For Council
Up for a challenge? Show you care for Kāpiti by standing for Kāpiti Coast District Council in this year's local elections. The Council is calling on those with the passion, dedication and energy to give back to the community and take the leap into local government. The candidate nomination period is open now for one mayor, two districtwide councillors, one Māori ward councillor, seven general ward councillors and 20 community board members. Completed nomination forms must be received by midday on 1 August 2025. Chief Executive Darren Edwards says being on Council or a Community Board is an exciting challenge and a genuine way of shaping the future of the Kāpiti Coast District. 'The most important quality that someone can bring to the Council table is that they care about this place and its people,' Mr Edwards says. 'Council mahi covers a huge range of issues so there is a lot to get your head around, there are tough decisions to weigh up and make, important relationships to build and, yes, quite a bit of reading. It's not an easy job but hopefully a rewarding one. 'If you've got that foundation of care, you can make a real difference to the future of our district. 'We need people from all walks of life and those people to be able to work together to make decisions in the best interests of the entire district. There's a whole lot of training available for those who get elected. Our message is don't be shy, care for Kāpiti and get involved.' Mr Edwards says a good place to start for those thinking about standing is Council's Pre-election Report, which provides a succinct overview of its recent past and a look ahead. This report is available to read online now. 'The Pre-election Report provides a summary of major projects and finances, and outlines the major challenges facing our district and the role of Council in addressing these. It's essential reading for those looking to stand and voters alike.' Like everyone, Council is facing significant cost pressures which must be balanced with the need to invest in building our future resilience. 'We're a growing community living in a coastal area – those two factors alone require us to think and plan carefully for the future,' Mr Edwards says. 'There are a host of other challenges – and opportunities – to consider as well. 'If you care for Kāpiti, work well with others and would like the opportunity to shape the future of our district, please think seriously about standing in this year's elections.' Visit to find nomination forms and the Pre-election Report. Nomination forms are also available from Council's Paraparaumu service centre. Key dates for local elections 2025 Enrol Enrol by 1 August - not enrolled by 1 August? You can still vote, but you need to enrol and cast a special vote. If you wish to be on the Māori roll in this year's election, please change rolls by 11 July at Stand Nominations open 4 July and close 1 August at noon exactly. Nominations can be done via our online portal, by downloading nominations forms, or picking them up from Council service centres or libraries. Completed forms need to be returned in person to Kāpiti Coast District Council's main office at 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu. Our electoral officer and Council staff will also be offering opportunities to hear from them directly at candidate information sessions in July, which will be held on the following dates: Online webinar Wednesday 9 July 2025, 5:30pm Please register through our website ahead of time to ensure you can access Zoom and our webinar when it starts The webinar will be recorded and added to our website 2-3 working days. In person, Paraparaumu (two sessions) Saturday 19 July 2025, 10am Saturday 19 July 2025, 2pm No need to register Council Chambers, Ground Floor 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu Vote
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Arts Sustainability Fund Recipients Announced
Kāpiti Coast District Council has approved funding for two new initiatives through the latest round of the Arts Sustainability Fund. The 2025/26 successful projects are Maven Theatre Company, a new professional theatre company that will premiere local and national drama productions, and Ngai-kore-tua-mao, an exciting environmentally-based performance and community arts programme by Louie Zalk-Neale (Ngāi Te Rangi). The Arts Sustainability Fund provides multiyear funding to help establish aspirational new projects that have the potential to grow into a major arts activity in Kāpiti Coast District. Group Manager Customer and Community, Brendan Owens says the fund is designed to help local practitioners achieve ambitious arts projects that have the potential to become self-supporting over the next two or three years. 'With an impressive theatrical programme that will enhance opportunities for local talent and technicians, and a truly exceptional arts programme that combines creativity, cultural expression of our tangata whenua and diversity, active care for the environment and community participation in the arts, we think this year's successful projects will be very well received. 'These projects have tremendous potential to create art events that will raise our arts profile, and become a drawcard for audiences across the region and beyond. 'Council is proud to be supporting incredible initiatives that will enrich our arts sector and boost Kāpiti Coast's cultural economy,' Mr Owens says. For more information on available funding, visit _________ The 2025/26 Arts Sustainability Fund grant recipients: Maven Theatre Company aims to enhance local theatre through staging quality productions in our state-of-the-art venue at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti. The new theatre company, founded by Jessica Clough and Sera Devcich, will provide a platform for local artists, actors and technicians to showcase their skills. Ngai-kore-tua-mao is a community-enriching arts programme by celebrated visual artist Louie Zalk- Neale (Ngāi Te Rangi). The programme will present powerful art experiences strongly integrated with te taiaio (the environment) and engage audiences in a rich cultural/ecological programme of events to raise the profile of the lesser-known fibre and cultural practices of mahi tī kōuka (the art of weaving with cabbage tree leaves). Last year's Arts Sustainability Fund recipient Writers' Practice will launch Bookmark Kāpiti an inaugural two-day literary festival across Kapiti Coast venues on 9–10 August.
