Contents · Open space is the framework within which development sits. Open space provides for...

Contents Page i

Contents

Summary

Assessment of Public Open Space for Community Needs

Community Views

Assessment of Open Space Provision for Landscape

Assessment of Open Space Provisions for Ecological Needs

Review of Existing Documents

Funding Open Space Acquisition, Development, Protection and Access

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Documents For An Open Space Strategy For Kapiti Coast

Introduction This document contains a set of reports, papers and maps to be used as the basis for the preparation of an Open Space Strategy for the Kapiti Coast District. The document has been prepared for the Kapiti Coast District Council by a consortium of specialists practicing under the name of PLaCE Consultants to bring together expertise across the natural and social sciences to achieve integrated resource management. The members of the PLaCE consortium were:

• Dianne Buchan, Corydon Consultants, Project Manager • Kirsty Austin, Corydon Consultants, community consultation, community needs

assessment and document review • Chris Cosslett, Corydon Consultants, community consultation, community needs

assessment and document review • Clive Anstey, Landscape Architect, landscape analysis and mapping • Linda Kerkmeester, Landscape Architect, landscape analysis and mapping • Isobel Gabites, naturalTEXTures, ecological analysis and mapping • Dominic Groom, Stimpson and Co, growth analysis and funding considerations

This project was carried out between August 2009 and March 2010 with the community consultation workshops held during November and December 2009. The project began with a review of existing documents. This was used to inform an assessment of user satisfaction based on information gathered during consultation workshops with the geographical communities of the Kapiti Coast District, specialist recreation organisations and specialist ecological groups. The information gathered during these workshops, together with the document review, was used to inform an analysis of existing provisions against best planning practice. While this community-focused work was taking place, the landscape and ecology specialists undertook field work and mapping exercises to document gaps in provisions for environmental wellbeing. Based on population projections and the analysis of gaps an assessment of future needs was also undertaken, a paper on current funding provisions and matters to be taken into account in the review of the Council’s Acquisition Strategy was prepared. All of the documents are enclosed. The Team would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the consultation workshops or sent submissions, without that input this document would be of much lesser quality. We would also like to thank the staff of KCDC for their support and encouragement, in particular Suchern Ong for the seemingly endless GIS mapping and Jim Ebenhoh for his enthusiastic and patient project management.

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Summary Open Space Definition Open space is the framework within which development sits. Open space provides for ecological, environmental, recreational, landscape, or heritage values. Open space includes both public and private land. Under the Council’s Development Management Strategy public open space is categorised according to a range of functions: regional parks; green belts and coastal esplanades; ecological reserves; cycle ways, walkways and bridleways; roads and streets; civic squares and spaces; and neighbourhood parks, sportsfields and playgrounds. The open space managed by the Council sits within the broader framework of open space managed by other agencies and private landowners. Objectives of an Open Space Strategy The objectives of an Open Space Strategy are to protect ecological values, habitats and natural heritage, provide for environmental enhancement and recreation needs, protect places of special cultural and historic significance, safeguard areas that are important for the growing of food and rongoa (medicinal plants), and to provide landscape amenity. To fulfil its full range of functions - environmental, ecological, social and economic - open spaces need to be interconnected to form a framework within which the growth of the built environment can be contained and managed. Such frameworks are sometimes referred to as ‘green infrastructure’. The Open Space Strategy will alert the Council to areas that are important for one or more of these objectives. As development proposals are being assessed, the Council can (in consultation with landowners) ensure that existing open space values are protected and can seek opportunities to fill gaps in the open space (or green infrastructure) framework. Specific objectives include:

• Ecological values and natural heritage

Build coherent open space frameworks that reflect the biological diversity of the landscape, exotic and indigenous, and ensure the resilience and connectedness of ecosystems. For the wellbeing and resilience of flora and fauna (terrestrial, freshwater and oceanic), habitats need to be managed within a coherent and connected framework that includes a diversity of habitats and enables species to move across the landscape and to reproduce without undue threats and predation.

• Environmental enhancement Adequate open space is needed to provide for greening, shelter, shading and floodwater attenuation within built environments, and to mitigate any adverse impacts of urban development on human health and natural environments.

• Recreation and access Kapiti’s open spaces should provide for a diversity of recreational opportunities, both formal and informal, passive and active. In general an even distribution of recreational opportunities across the district is desirable to ensure an equality in opportunities for all communities. Where possible, open space for recreational purposes should provide for a range of activities rather than exclusive use by a particular interest group.

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Recreational use of open space is encouraged by easy access and well connected areas. Walking and cycling networks and bridleways need to be well formed and readily accessible and must provide for practical needs such as commuting, as well as leisure activities.

• Heritage Some open space has particularly high associative values, values that have historic, cultural or spiritual significance for individuals and their communities. These values need to be incorporated into the framework in a way that recognises and enhances their significance for local communities.

• Food production and protection of rongoa Some open spaces on the Kapiti Coast have high value for food production. Others offer important sources of rongoa (Maori medicinal plants). An open space framework needs to provide for these important resources.

• Landscape, amenity

A well managed open space framework will reflect the special and unique identity of the district as well as the nuances of places within it. A comprehensive framework ensures attractive settings for accessible recreation and adds amenity values for communities within, or attached to, the open space framework.

Open Space Provisions in Kapiti District The assessment of open space provisions was undertaken at two scales: at a community or ward scale to assess community needs, and at a district wide scale to assess broader landscape and ecological needs. To meet community or social needs, the current provision of open space is sufficient in area to meet the needs of the existing and projected population. However, the assessment of the location of public open space against Council’s subdivision standards indicates that there are potential gaps where open space for particular purposes is not within ideal walking distances. In general, open space provisions for the protection of landscape values on steeper topography is adequate - most is already managed as public open space either by the Department of Conservation or by the Greater Wellington Regional Council. In the foothills isolated reserves are managed by KCDC for specific purposes. These also contribute to the coherence and quality of the coasts landscape. In addition there are covenanted areas in the foothills that afford protection to landscape values. For the most part however, the foothills are largely in private ownership and the landscape is fragmented by different patterns of development and use. On the coastal plain the landscape is very fragmented although some coherence is provided by areas retained in natural cover along the coast and by riparian vegetation along waterways and in association with wet areas.

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Existing open space that protects biodiversity and sustains ecological processes is generally adequate on the steeper topography but in the foothills and across the coastal plain the original biodiversity exists only as fragmented remnants and ecological processes have been seriously disrupted by development. However, while indigenous cover may have been greatly depleted in the lowlands, there are places where a strong sense of pattern and landform remains to be enhanced and nurtured. Although greatly fragmented, a cross-section from mountains to sea encompasses a range of representative indigenous environments. These corridors provide seasonal food resources for wildlife. The ecological survey recognised a series of ecological corridors running from the mountains to the sea and identified areas of ecological importance not contained within the existing open space framework. Compatibility of functions within the open space framework If open spaces are able to satisfy multiple functions their value is increased. Utilising areas for recreational purposes or the production of rongoa need not necessarily be incompatible with ecological protection and preservation of landscape values. Within the proposed open space framework there are potential conflicts between uses, however, given the diversity and extent of this framework these potential conflicts should be easily managed. Public uses of open space vary between very intensive use (such as playing fields) and extensive more passive uses where access is limited and impacts can be minimised. There are two key areas of potential conflict. The first and most obvious of these is the need for CWB networks within ecologically sensitive areas. The second potential area of conflict is where productive land uses threaten ecological values. The development of strategies and practices to avoid or minimise these conflicts will be incorporated into the Council’s Open Space Strategy and/or specific reserve management plans. Priority measures to enhance the open space framework There are gaps in the current landscape framework in terms of provision for community needs, ecological purposes and landscape coherence.

Open spaces for community purposes The potential gaps in publicly accessible open space are often relatively small, so that future subdivision is unlikely to be of a scale that would address these gaps by being required to provide additional open space. However, taking into account the findings from the community workshops and the document review, the following priorities have been identified:

• improving links between existing public open spaces and undertaking small-scale extensions to the existing CWB network as identified in the community workshops

• developing an area of public open space in the vicinity of Paraparaumu town centre – this would serve a civic function as well as open space for local residents and could be undertaken on land that is already owned by the Council

• building a relationship with the Ministry of Education and/or individual schools to secure access to school playing fields outside of school hours – priority should be given to areas where school grounds are the only form of public open space within 400m of residential areas

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• providing additional sportsfields in Otaki to address the current over-use of existing fields and provide for predicted future growth areas.

• undertaking a further analysis on the adequacy of the public open space provision taking into account the impact of the proposed expressway through Kapiti (see below).

Open spaces for landscape coherence The landscapes of the Kapiti Coast retain much of their original indigenous character where development has been constrained. In the foothills and across the coastal plain however the built environment has assumed dominance and the indigenous dimension has been all but obliterated. Exotic species, trees and shrubs, provide considerable visual amenity however and new patterns of mixed vegetation, native and exotic, are evolving. The major benefit of a comprehensive open space strategy is in ensuring a more integrated approach to the management of the evolving and changing landscape. Without this there is likely to be a continuing loss of cohesion and connectedness across the landscape. From a community perspective the wider purpose and value of open space can be better appreciated when this is promoted as a comprehensive framework, the management of which is seen to be well coordinated and to achieve integrated multipurpose benefits.

Much of the existing open space in public ownership is associated with steeper land, rivers, streams, wet areas, and the coastal edge. There are limited opportunities for the council to acquire land and for the most part additional public ownership is not essential. There are however areas in the Waikanae and Otaki River flood plains, and on some river terraces, where public ownership would be desirable. For the most part the need is to secure public access to and across open space and to ensure that the long term management of private land within the open space framework is sympathetic with and responsive to its values. The challenge is therefore to engage private landowners and the community in forms of collaborative management.

Collectively, land management agencies on the Kapiti Coast provide a wealth of information and advice and there are a number of community groups engaged in open space management and enhancement. There are excellent examples of restoration and development that is sympathetic to open space values. An open space strategy can bring this information together and promote open space values with reference to existing local examples.

Open spaces for ecological corridors The ecological assessment recognises a series of four corridors connecting the mountains to the sea. These corridors are critical in providing for wildlife movement, breeding habitat and food sources. The corridors identified are:

• (A) Tararua Forest Park through to Nikau and Paraparaumu Scenic Reserves, through the Landfill area, to Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve.

• (B) Tararua Forest Park and the Waikanae River, Mangaone Stream headwaters (Kaitawa Scenic Reserve), Hemi Matenga Reserve, indigenous remnants through North Waikanae, Nga Manu, Ngarara wetlands and regenerating dunes, to the coastal Pharazyn Reserve water body and duneland.

• (C) Otaki Gorge and across theTe Horo plains (bush remnants and scattered totara woodlands), and bush remnants on old terrace scarps along the north

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side of the Otaki River running out to the coast. This broad ‘corridor’ zone is fragmented but extensive areas of totara woodland offer potential for future consolidation. Future development of created wetlands in duneland lifestyle subdivisions generally may contribute to an extension of this corridor towards the coast, linking with (D). This zone has high connectivity with Project Kaka, a project covering an area of some 220 ha.

• (D)Te Horo hills out to Te Hapua swamps and the coast. The connection with the hill country is currently weak, but the interconnection of duneland wetland habitats is a strength. There is a paucity of dry dune habitat: future habitat creation would be a priority.

With ongoing development and an increasing intensity of landuse fire hazards are likely to increase, particularly in dry duneland vegetation. Risk would be lessened if succession were fast-tracked by planting interventions using broadleaved species that grow in these habitats. In foredune shrublands the risks will always remain high however, and other protection strategies are needed.

The implications of climate change are uncertain but we might expect increased storminess and changes to frost patterns and mean annual temperatures. These changes may result in changes to natural vegetation associations and greater ponding in low lying areas. The rehabilitation of previously drained swamps in low lying areas may increase the ground water capacity and mitigate flooding in more valuable areas. The open space framework has the potential to mitigate the impacts resulting from extremes in climatic conditions.

Effect of the Western Link expressway alignment The existing corridor that accommodates SH1 and the NIMT railway line is a dominant feature in the existing landscape. The corridor pre-dates most of the development on the Kapiti Coast however. Subsequent development has been significantly influenced by this transport corridor with local roads providing links to it. A four-lane expressway on the Western Link route would effectively cut across the evolved patterns of development and disrupt the movement of vehicles and people between the coast and the existing transport corridor. Severance would be a significant issue for public access to open space, to landscape coherence and to ecological corridors (which tend to run from east to west from the foothills to the sea). It is these ecological corridors that provide the essential coherence and connectedness in the coastal landscape of the Kapiti Coast. Open space includes land used for the production of food. An expressway along the route proposed would cut across food producing land as well as the remnant stands of Totara in Te Horo, the grazed open spaces in Otaihanga and Waikanae North, and would remove wetland and remnant indigenous forest areas in Waikanae. An expressway on the Western link route would also reduce the options for the future use of the landfill site in Otaihanga (one of the sites suggested for a botanical garden), and would sever CWB links which currently connect communities and open spaces. The analysis of the adequacy of public open space in relation to residential areas was undertaken prior to NZTA’s decision to site the expressway along the Western Link Road route. The effect of a four-lane, 100 km / hour road in terms of loss of existing open

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space and severance from existing open space, will require detailed analysis prior to drafting the Open Space Strategy.

Conclusions and recommendations From a district-wide perspective, the current open-space provisions are adequate to meet the needs of Kapiti’s current and predicted population. However, at a local level, some areas are more poorly served and additional space for specific purposes will need to be provided in the near future. The impact of the proposed Western Link expressway on the availability and utility of public spaces for community use has not been included in the open space assessment. This will need to be undertaken as a separate exercise once the alignment of the expressway and the mitigation mechanisms have been determined. Additional land acquisition and/or protection is required at a catchment and landscape level to provide a coherent and resilient framework that provides for biodiversity and ecological coherence, and to satisfy the Council’s longer-term visions for open space as set out in the Choosing Futures documents. To facilitate a greater integration of open space across public and private land, the Council will need to utilise a range of mechanisms The attached paper on funding has been developed as the basis of a revised Reserves Acquisition Strategy. The paper identifies two broad categories of funding sources: funding to provide for growth and funding to maintain and improve levels of open space services for existing communities. The paper sets out the opportunities and constraints within each of the funding categories and other opportunities available to the Council to expand and strengthen Kapiti’s open space framework. Mechanisms and resources available to the Council for this purpose include reserves and development contributions, rates, government agency grants and other third party contributions, as well as community and private landowner initiatives incentivised by Council support.

Summary of Community Views 1

Summary of Community Views During November and December 2009, seven community workshops were held across the District. Five of these were area-based, and were held in Otaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati and Paekakariki. Two theme-based workshops were held in Paraparaumu to specifically discuss recreation and ecology/heritage. These workshops were designed to build on the findings from consultations undertaken during the Community Outcomes processes and strategic planning documents prepared by the Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council and DOC that related to open space provisions in Kapiti District. Participants at the workshops did not ask for a lot of additional open space. They wanted ecological values recognised and protected, better access and connections, some new open spaces for leisure and recreation, and they wanted better quality open space. To the extent possible, the suggestions for additional open space including linkages are shown on the community workshop maps. The responses are elaborated on below. Ecological values were requested to be recognised and protected, with areas of important vegetation and ecological corridors identified, and improvements to existing ecological reserves noted. Better access and connections were requested, particularly between existing open spaces (including the coast and rivers) and to better link the CWB network (e.g. to link QE Park, Whareroa Park and Akatarawa Forest). Many suggestions also related to improving the safety of existing pedestrian and cycle routes. New areas for open space for leisure and recreation were requested, although the locations for these were not always specified. In particular:

• additional sports fields were requested in Otaki, Waikanae, and Paekakariki • botanic gardens were requested, with sites suggested in Paraparaumu and

Waikanae, and at the old Otaihanga Landfill • a regional park was requested at the northern end of the District • open space provision in the town centres of Waikanae and Paraparaumu • a playground requested in Otaihanga Domain. • BMX tracks / bike skills tracks were suggested at Paekakariki and Waikanae • mountain biking at Otaki Forks and Whareroa Farm.

Better quality open space was requested, including improved surfaces, facilities and planting, and signage to and within the open space.

The remainder of this document contains the notes from each workshop and maps that, where possible, summarise the comments made at the workshops.


Workshop 1 - Otaki / Te Horo Area 17 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Mangaone Stream Reserve (at the coastal end of Te Horo Beach Road) • Te Horo Coastal Reserve (Pukenamu Estates) • Mahoe Street, extending around the bend in the stream, by Sea Spray (Otaki). An

existing reserve that has macrocarpa and is a breeding ground for shags • Walking/cycling/horse riding track on true right bank of Otaki river extends

upstream from SH1 to just beyond Crystalls Bend. • Safe and scenic inland cycling route exists from Manakau to Otaki via Waitohu

Valley Road. • Question: is there public land on the beach side of the Fish and Game road north

of Te Horo? Ideally, reserve land should extend along the foredune between Te Horo Beach and Otaki River. Similarly, coastal route north of Otaki River does not appear as reserve. Is this correct?

Improving access to Otaki River: • Large area of public open space on west (sea) side of SH1 at south end of bridge.

This has great potential for walking and picnicking but access is very restricted. A larger car park is needed and entrance to the area needs improvement. It was noted that NZTA/Transit has been unsupportive because of concerns about traffic leaving and joining SH1 from the carpark.

• Create a green belt for safe access to the river for local kids. The route could go from Aotaki Street, through the tip site to the river (this route is currently used by local kids and formalising it would reduce risk associated with current unmanaged access)

• Access to and around Winstones Lake (see below) linking Rahui Road with river Additional / improved routes requested: • Explore opportunities for providing family mountain biking in the Otaki area. For

example, a route from Otaki Forks Road, across the swing bridge, along Kaitawa Road and in towards the DoC reserves. This would link up with other cycle routes. Limitations were noted regarding access across private land in this area.

• If the Expressway doesn’t go ahead along SH1, dedicated cycleways should be provided along two stretches of the existing SH1 where there is heavy recreational cycling use: between Old Hautere Road and Te Horo Beach Road; and between Te Hapua road and Peka Peka Road.

• Ideally, the coastal cycling route would be completed south of the Otaki River. However it was noted that the owners of marae land (on the south bank of the river at the mouth) are not supportive. However, see next point.

• A potential cycle route exists between Harakeke Road (Te Horo) and the River via Lethbridge Road and the road associated with a new subdivision (off Harakeke Rd).

• Connection from Pukenamu Road to Te Horo Beach Village. This would create a safe connection via Pukenamu Rd and Puruaha Rd to the beach, creating a loop. A short length of additional track would be required to achieve this. Include stream restoration with track?

• Improve safety of SH1 bridge crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. In immediate term, speed limit on bridge could be reduced to 70km/h. Longer term, improve the footpath, and consider providing an under-bridge east-west crossing so that


people can park on east side and access open space area on west side without crossing the road (see above). South-bound cyclists could also use the footpath on west side of bridge before crossing under the bridge to resume on east side of SH1. Development of the expressway would create an opportunity to greatly improve pedestrian and cyclist access over the current bridge.

• A safe alternative for cyclists crossing the Waitohu Stream on SH1 is needed (dangerous narrow bridge)

• Support was expressed for particular elements of CWB including a track linking Haruatai Park with the cemetery, and a foot bridge across the stream from Atkinson Ave

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Stands of old totara trees on private land on Hautere plains including along Otaki

Gorge Road through to the beach at Te Waka Road, and south of School Road (individual trees in paddocks are non-viable but stands could become self-sustaining if stock was excluded)

• Historic stands of cabbage trees (ti kouka) on Katihiku Marae. • Site of old Gear Farm (Te Horo) has native bush and a natural spring. It’s on

private land and may already be fenced off. • Significant wetland area Otepua Swamp was noted (Taylors Road) – much of this

is already protected as DOC reserve or QEII covenant Additional recreation areas requested: • Demand for sports grounds exceeds the current provision on Haruatai Park.

Either expand the park or look for additional provision elsewhere. Land adjacent to the park has ownership constraints (e.g. subject to Treaty claims). Otaki Domain can’t be extended either. Consider the use of nearby farmland.

• Ensure that the Otaki “Passive Recreation” Lake eventuates as part of Winstone’s contribution to environmental restoration and reparation.

• In general, Otaki township is poorly provided with public open space (considering that the two large KCDC-owned “reserve” areas by the sewage plant are not available for recreation). Were the expressway routed through Pareomatangi Reserve (as is currently proposed) then this situation would be made worse.

• KCDC should purchase the old motor camp (Seagrass Estate) at the end of Moana Street (Otaki). It would be a beautiful spot for public open space and would support the current stream care work as well as providing a possible location for freedom camping.

Adventure park: • Location would depend on the size of the facility required. • It may not be appropriate along Marine Parade as it will interrupt the sea views

and be too windswept. • Tasman Park could be a potential site, particularly on the vacant land at the rear,

or Haruatai Park • Angela Graham teacher at Waitohu School is keen to use this as a school module

topic for her students (and other Otaki schools could do the same). Di Buchan described to Angela and Tamsin Evans a design process for a community park which was recently undertaken as part of the curriculum by several schools in Waitangirua, Porirua. Di undertook to send Tamsin and Angela a copy of the video made about this project. Tamsin agreed to follow this up with Angela.

Additional facilities at Te Horo Beach: No additional facilities suggested.


Protecting dunes etc. from vehicles Vehicle access should be restricted to specific areas but this needs to be enforced (practical difficulties of enforcement were noted). The problem was noted as being particularly bad at Te Horo beach (sensitive ecological areas such as the boulder bank and flax wetland affected by unfettered vehicle access). It was noted, however, that many people enjoy riding/driving on the beach and so access should not be closed altogether. Other comments: • Existing KCDC reserve on Sims Road (Te Horo) has been fenced off, which limits

public access. Potential to provide seating and to plant in natives to provide a great spot to enjoy the views of the Tararuas.

• DoC reserve along Marine Parade (Otaki) is subject to a Maori Land Claim.


Workshop 2 - Raumati 18 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Jeep Road reserve, plus accessway, is missing. A community garden is proposed

on this reserve. KCDC is currently considering. • Access way from the end of Jeep Road to the beach exists (not proposed as

shown). It includes a boat ramp and car park and provides safe beach access. • Pedestrian access way between McKenzie Ave and The Esplanade is missing. • Tracks, paths and railway tracks within Marine Gardens are marked incorrectly.

Suggest GPS survey of these. • Berts Way and Hobys Way are both pedestrian access. • Margaret Park: existing N-S walking track not marked. Also, in the new

subdivision NW of Margaret Park: a walking track links the extension of Renown Road and Margaret Road.

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Rare manuka wetland to protect at the northern end of QE Park (between Matai

Rd and Te Ra School). It was suggested that the proposed CWB walking route through this area is inappropriate given the area’s vulnerability.

• Coastal area on the northern side of the river (to the north of Marine Gardens) should have some form of ecological protection. It is the only stretch of beach that feels natural.

Additional recreation areas requested: • Northern side of the river (to the north of Marine Gardens) should be a public

reserve, with shelter from the wind and good access provided. It would provide an ideal area for elderly to access / experience the beach.

Improving access to and along the beach: • A walking route was requested along the beach, from Poplar Ave to QE Park. • More access points to the beach requested and better maintenance of existing

access to the beach, particularly at the southern end. • Poplar Ave is dangerous to walk and cycle along. Currently families are cycling

on the footpath to keep children safe. Some sections (east of Te Ra School) lack footpaths and others are narrow. The proposed CWB along Poplar Ave to the beach should have a dedicated cycle, walking and bridle route. Speed limit should also be enforced.

Additional / improved routes requested: • The routes from Wharemauku Stream to the Village aren’t clear. A potential route

would be one that followed the bridle route through Weka Park and along Kowhai Grove. Improved signage would also help, particularly in the vicinity of Kiwi Road / CWB route.

• Cycle routes along Marine Parade / Matatua Road, Rosetta Road and The Esplanade are dangerous. The walkways need to be widened. Some people walk or cycle along the top of the seawall rather than along the esplanade. This could be formalised as a proper path (although it was noted that high maintenance would be required because of scouring, driftwood etc)

• Footpath is needed around the Jeep Road/Tennis Court Road corner. Dangerous for kids walking to school.


• The path from Maungakotukutuku Road needs stiles and other measures to prevent damage from motor vehicles.

• A bridge is needed to connect the two ends of Tui Road. • More tracks giving access from Raumati to QE Park. There is an existing farm

track which runs from Poplar Ave to Mackays Crossing. Public access to this would improve access without having to build a new track.

• Strong support expressed for securing access to the northern end of Mataihuka Track (on the escarpment above SH1) as shown on map.

• Safe pedestrian access between QE Park and Whareroa Farm (e.g. underpass). Other open space requested • Maximise opportunity for open space along Western Link Road, depending on the

southern exit point. • Some participants noted that the underused Ministry of Education land (NE

corner, Kapiti College) would provide an ideal motor camp. Others suggested this area should be used for off-street parking and a drop-off area for the school, to get parents’ cars off the road at beginning and end of school days. This is currently an attractive area of open space.

Improving access to Marine Gardens • Entrance to park should be widened / upgraded to make it more obviously walk-

through and inviting. This was the subject of the 2006 Raumati Town Centre consultation. Proposal at that time had good support from the community (including Friends of Miniature Railway).

• The route to Marine Gardens requires better signage from the Village, and the intersection in front of the gardens needs improvements for safety purposes. The intersection is dangerous because of high traffic speeds combined with a busy area, lots of distractions and two pedestrian crossings to the gardens. Traffic calming needed.

Other comments: • Better signage to the coast and to QE Park was requested. • Hydes Road Reserve could do with tidying up. It offers good coastal views and

park benches to take advantage of this. • Proposed walkway/bridleway through QE Park to east of dunes (marked) is

subject of funding application as part of the national cycleway.


Workshop 3 - Paekakariki 19 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • CWB route along Ramaroa Road • CWB route between Emerald Glen Road through Whareroa Farm continues

around the back of the properties opposite MacKays Crossing Wildlife Reserve east of the state highway

• The area between the two KCDC reserves on Ames Street (south of Ames Street Reserve) is currently a reserve. Ownership unknown.

• Add the existing track to the CWB that runs from SH1 (opposite Sang Sue’s market garden) directly south, so that it links up with the proposed CWB.

• It was noted that it is likely that the tennis club will be gifted to the Council, in which case it will become a public resource.

Improving access to and along the beach: • At southern end need a formed path between the Parade and the beach as at the

northern end • Need more places to access the beach from The Parade • Need for clear signage from the village to the Sand Track and the Sand Track to

the beach • Rocks at the base of the steps at The Parade make access difficult • There is no formed access at the southern end of Ames Street to the beach, and

so people walking/cycling through there are eroding the dunes. Improving links between the railway station and the town and the town and the beach • Link between village and beach needs to be more visible – use signage and

plantings from the end of beach road to the start of the parade to entice people to the beach

• There is no safe crossing between the railway station and Steam Incorporated • Signage is needed on Beach Rd/Wellington Rd corner to direct people

approaching from Ames Street to the Motor Camp and QE Park.

Are any additional managed access ways needed to Queen Elizabeth Park? • All considered the existing managed entranceways at Wellington Road were

sufficient but this entrance could be made more user friendly (e.g. it is too narrow for buggies.

• A railway platform at MacKays Crossing would link the railway to QE Park promoting easier access to the park for regional and district-wide visitors.

Are any CWB links required within Queen Elizabeth Park, in addition to those already proposed? • The proposed CWBs through Queen Elizabeth Park were drawn on the map.

GWRC noted that the southern route is approximately 18 months away from construction. The northern route may be longer-term as the lease on this area isn’t due for renewal in 2012. The east-west route to Valley Road is a low priority for GWRC.

• Important not to forget the commuter cycle track to be built between Raumati and Paekakariki railway station. This should have a link to Valley Road


Additional / improved routes requested: • There is no CWB route linking QE Park, Whareroa Park and the Akatarawa forest

owned by GWRC. The only CWB route through Whareroa to the Akatarawas is from Valley Road.

• The track through the Ames St Reserve is not currently suitable for bicycles – conflicts with walkers. Need separate routes.

• New pedestrian route from Tilley Road to SH1 (just north of Tarawa Street) to provide safe access across the railway land (via private land - NZTA land).

• Negotiate a new pedestrian route from SH1 to connect to the Marine Fuel Tank (historic site) if Transmission Gully goes ahead.

• Access to the hills is limited in four main places, despite tracks being available. They are not obviously marked and you have to ‘negotiate’ your way in with landowners.

Improvements to reserves requested: • Enhancements to Ames Street Reserve – need more landscape planting, no

more Council dumps, create pathways through and to the beach Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Remnant bush along the northern side of Campbells Rd. Unfenced and currently

grazed. Question around whether it is private land or public land (part of the road reserve).

• Check the QE Park Management Plans for areas that could be developed to enhance existing wetlands.

Additional recreation areas requested: • Provide a BMX area (‘pump track’) where young people can learn cycling skills.

Hastings has a good example. It could be accommodated at the southern end of QE Park, immediately to the north of the urban area (access off Wellington Rd).

• Additional sports fields were requested. Both suggested locations were on QE Park. One suggestion was where there used to be sports fields (adjacent to SH1, north of MacKays Crossing). Another suggestion was at the southern end of QE Park (via Tilley Road), which would be closer to residents / urban area.

• Some suggestion for netball hoops in Campbell Park. Others felt that the purpose of the park is to provide green space and courts were available in the nearby school.

Other open space requested • Community garden requested. Suggestions for locations were on the school

grounds, Ames Street Reserve, and behind Tilley Road. It was noted that KCDC is working on a policy for using Council land for this purpose.

Protection sought for existing open space areas: • Protect open space and existing community boundary by preventing development

on the farmland and Sang Sue’s market garden area on the north east boundary of the township.

Other comments: • Update CWB maps available to the public and make them readily available to the

public (rather than just from Council’s office) through Visitor Information Centres, and on public notice boards.

Important to keep in mind the work undertaken by James Lundy (Common Ground) on Whareroa/QE Park and the Gateway concept (information available through the Guardians of Whareroa).


Workshop 4 - Paraparaumu 23 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Mark Nga Manu clearly. • Check the ownership / status of the ecological areas on Simon Brown’s land.

Some areas are under a QE2 covenant but the map appears to show it as DoC land.

• A gravel pedestrian and bridle route is provided along Valley Road, but is not shown on the maps. It could do with improvements (extra base course) in places.

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Noted that the plantings as part of the DUNE project to the south of Waikanae

Estuary are making a significant difference to the regeneration/growth of the dunes.

Additional recreation areas requested: • Generally felt that there was sufficient provision for sports fields and playgrounds. Linkages to Kapiti Island / additional beach facilities: Various scale of suggestions made, with a location somewhere south of the boat club: • Pier – would provide a gateway to the Island and help people in wheel chairs to

experience the coast / island. Tie in with a tram from railway station to provide a proper link to Kapiti Island from the rest of the district / region.

• Visitor centre at the beach – to inform people about trips to Kapiti Island and/or provide sufficient information/visuals about the island to provide a “visitor” experience without having to travel to the island. Noted that numbers of visitors to the island needs to be limited because of its role as a wildlife reserve and demand is always likely to exceed capacity.

• Viewing platform – a place to stop, look at Kapiti Island, eat etc. The lookout at the top of Nikau Reserve was said to offer the best views of the island. More could be done to direct people (including visitors) there.

• Display boards – 3-6 boards with information on the history of the area and access to Kapiti Island. Could be designed by Kapiti College.

• Provide charter boats to take visitors around the island. Additional / improved routes requested: • Access to Panorama Drive from the north is needed as a priority. This is the most

popular track in the area, which would be significantly enhanced by northern access.

• Provide stiles at each end of the current CWB (where it is shown in red to the south of Mahaki Road / south-west of Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve).

• Explore opportunities for better CWB routes through the airport site when it is redeveloped, to improve linkages between the town centre and the beach. In particular, links across the SW corner are needed. A formed track between Alexander and Titoki Rd is already used by some people but is not formally available.

• Widen pedestrian access along Tahi Road to improve linkages between the town centre and the beach.

• Seal walkway into Marzengarb Reserve (the seal stops short of the park)


• Footbridge to join the two parts of Tui Street. • Continue sealing CWB along Wharemauku Stream to improve access for buggies,

wheel chairs, roller skating etc. • Pedestrian/cycle access from the CBD to the beach that is separate from Kapiti

Road. Ideally, this would at least be separated from the roadway by a grass strip. • Cycle route along Marine Parade / Matatua Road is dangerous. The

walkway/cycleway needs to be widened. • Better signage is needed to show the way to Waikanae Estuary from the south

and east. Good routes exist but are not easy to find for non-locals. • As a general observation, the quality of roadside surfaces where cyclists are

expected to ride is poor (including loose gravel, broken glass). This should be the BEST part of the road.

• General comment: neighbourhood walking/cycling connections could be marked with signs and on maps so that more people can use minor roads and connectors to get from town to beach etc (more pleasant than walking along main roads like Kapiti Road). However, need to be mindful of implications for private properties of directing the public through these little accessways (e.g. security).

• Strong support for implementing CWB route to northern end of escarpment (Mataihuka track).

Other open space requested: • Paraparaumu lacks a botanical garden or any large-scale amenity park near the

CBD. A botanical garden was requested. There would be a big pool of volunteers with many residents having botanical knowledge. Some suggested it should be located around an existing stand of bush and be in an accessible location. Suggestions included: near Nga Manu; in conjunction with the covenanted areas on Simon Bush’s land; alongside Wharemauku Stream downstream of the CBD.

• Ideally, all of Wharemauku Stream would be protected/developed as open space. Priority for beautification should be area closest to CBD. When land to west of CBD (3B block) is subdivided, the Council should secure flood-prone land adjacent to stream as reserve.

• Provide a lake in the civic centre – make it a feature and use it for water storage. • Additions to the open space network in the hill country to the east should prioritise

views of the coast and the island. • Council purchase the Tower Lakes pond and open space along Kāpiti Road (near

the airport) for use as a public reserve. This land is currently on the market. Other comments: • It was noted that the landowner to the north west of Kaitawa Scenic Reserve

(Catholic Church) did not allow public access across the land. Therefore, it will be difficult to achieve the CWB in this area.

• Provide signage for campervans in existing car parks along the coast, between Ocean Road and Mannson Lane and in the vicinity of Marine Gardens. The signage should be welcoming and set out the criteria for being allowed to stay overnight. It was noted that KCDC is considering the provision of freedom camping as part of the preparation for the Rugby World Cup.

• Update brochure on Kapiti tracks and have it widely available. • Wesley Knight Park needs to be made more inviting so that more people use it. It

was noted that this has been identified as a possible contained off-leash dog exercise area.

• An information centre or at least visitor information boards should be installed at the bottom of Nikau Reserve. Existing visitor information centre at Coastlands is difficult to find and Nikau Reserve is a logical place for people arriving from north.


• Visitor information is also needed at the railway. Information is especially needed about routes to the beach, including walking/cycling routes and bus services.

• Concern expressed about proposed increase of access though the estuary scientific reserve (including proposed bridle track on map). Very sensitive area, access needs to be carefully managed.

• Many parks in Paraparaumu (e.g. Mazengarb) need amenity trees. Good examples are Kaitawa Reserve and Marine Gardens. Most parks in Waikanae have very good amenity trees.

• The “Bunnings” site (corner of Kapiti Rd and Milne Drive) should stay as open space rather than being re-zoned industrial and residential.


Workshop 5 – Waikanae / Peka Peka / Otaihanga / Reikorangi 24 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Questioned whether the Te Arawai footbridge is shown in the correct location

(some said it definitely was not. Correct location marked on workshop map). • Questioned whether the Reikorangi Christian College was still Ministry of

Education land, or whether it was now in private ownership. • Existing public access should be shown from Te Moana Road to the golf course

(past some motels) • El Rancho is not owned by GWRC. The ownership needs to be checked and

updated on the map. • The CWB through the Council depot is already formed, so it should be shown as

existing. It was noted that the routes need to be more clearly signposted as public.

• There is a QE2 covenant on land directly opposite the golf course, beside fairway Oaks.

• A range of routes shown on the map as “proposed walking” are in fact already available, especially many walking tracks in the hill country to the east including Mangaone Walkway and Hemi Matenga (these were marked on the map).

• Field Reserve, owned by Forest and Bird, on the east side of SH1 just north of Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve.

• Several recreation facilities are owned by clubs and zoned open space including the lawn bowing club and tennis club, Kapiti Golf Club. Paraparaumu Golf Club, Waikanae Golf Club. Uncertain as to whether they should be included.

• Tasman Lakes private plan change / subdivision - open space provided north of Hadfield Stream (Peka Peka).

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection / additional ecological works: • More spinifex planting is required along the dunes for passive protection. • Do not allow felling of kahikatea in Greendale Reserve if the Expressway goes

ahead on the west side of the railway. • Purchase the pond on the Tower Lakes site along Kapiti Road (in Longdale Road

area) to provide a wetland reserve. The site is no use for built development. • Potential for native restoration on KCDC land at Reikorangi. • An important wetland exists at the north end of Kawakahia, north of existing QE2

covenants. Could be potential for more covenants or land acquisition. • Need to plan for ecological corridors to facilitate bird movement. Streams provide

logical east - west connections between coast/Kapiti Island and inland forests. Encourage people in the urban area to plant the right species of trees to support birds, encouraging north-south bird movement between isolated protected areas such as Nga Manu, QE Park and the Waikanae River corridor.

Additional /improved recreation areas requested: • Possible sites for sports fields included:

- Howarth Estate (34 ha on the south bank, opposite Richmond Avenue). Council should purchase the site. Flooding and access issues (land locked)

- the vaulting club between Nimmo Avenue West and Richmond Avenue (however this is private land)

- Queens Road Reserve (already a popular area with kids)


- on airport land - as part of Waikanae North development.

• In general there is a shortage of soccer grounds. • Lack of informal play areas (spaces to kick a ball around rather than formal sports

fields). Suggestion to acquire part of the church land near the town centre (block bounded by Parata Street, Kapanui Road, Sylvan Ave, Belvedere Ave ).

• Dedicated area for dirt bikes to encourage them to keep off the beaches. Possible locations suggested were the sand quarry (off King Arthur Drive) and the landfill site (where a car club already operates). It was noted that the location would have to be carefully selected so not to reduce the quiet residential character of many areas.

• Develop Trig Hill Reserve as an exercise reserve for training and as a challenging exercise area for young people. Provide steep steps on the Ashleigh Way side and then a gradual incline to the top. Remove the cell site from the reserve. Continue native planting on the top.

• Otaihanga Domain was suggested as suitable for a children’s playground. Any playground should be located within the urban area of Otaihanga. The existing small playground in Kotuku Park is too far for children to walk.

• Questioned whether the old building and tennis courts at Reikorangi could be used as part of a recreation reserve.

Additional / improved routes requested: • Walkways from Te Moana Road to the north, between Park Avenue and

Kohekohe Road. • Explore opportunities for pedestrian links through the Liddel’s subdivision. • Additional footbridges over Waikanae River, e.g. at the end of Fleetwood Grove. • Link the two Waimeha Lagoon Reserves with a CWB route, possibly via Victor

Grove. • Council should purchase the Waikanae riverbank, north of SH1, to ensure that

walkways are provided. • Access routes to the beach are sufficient, but there could be better formation and

maintenance of them along the Millenium walkway. • Safety barrier needed on footpath on SH1 bridge over Waikanae River, or else

“clip on” pedestrian/cycle path. • Support expressed for connection of Huia Street to Hadfield Road (as shown on

CWB map). Proposed bridleway/walkways need to be linked through Waikanae Scenic Reserve to complete connection.

• Connection needed between the end of Huia Street and Ngarara Road (no suggestion for how this could be done).

• Low-level walking traverse through Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve, connecting northern and southern strands of Hemi Matenga walkway.

• Pedestrian under/overpass required at Elizabeth Street, giving access across highway and railway. Alternatively, or in addition, provide an under/overpass from the end of Te Moana Road to east of railway line.

• Strong support expressed for access routes through gorge to Reikorangi as shown on CWB map.

• New east-west access between Paetawa Road and the coast south of Peka Peka may be needed as Waikanae North is developed. Waikanae North development must allow for east-west connections to the coast in general.

• Cycleway between Waikanae and Otaki separated from SH1. • Potential recreational link between Akatarawa Forest and Mangaone Walkway. • Track from Ashton Road up Goodmans access and over hill to Waikanae River,

then across river to Akatarawa Road.


Other open space requested: • Provide urban open space in the town centre that draws on a design to reflect the

river and history of Waikanae. It should be done as part of a whole package of improvements that include creating gateways to the town and linkages to the river. Could use the proposed Expressway works as a catalyst for this.

• Botanical garden requested. Suggestions for sites included 364 Te Moana Road (11 acres) and the old Otaihanga landfill. (Note this was also raised at the Paraparaumu meeting at which other sites were proposed.)

• Community garden is currently proposed on part of the KCDC depot (the reserve shown in the block bounded by Te Moana Rd, Ngapaki St and Rangihiroa St).

• Provide a natural cemetery for green burials. • Dedicated dog area that is fenced. No locations suggested. • The proposed picnic area on the true left bank (South bank), upriver from Te

Arawai is the area where the track through the turf farm reaches the river. GW think that they no longer need it for rock storage, but need to keep an open space for the rock delivery trucks to turn around when they do occasionally deliver rocks. The Friends of Waikanae River have a planting plan for the area with shade trees and shelter trees along the fence line to break the wind. [This comment was sent in after the workshop so is not marked on the map].

Other comments: • Better signage is required in all reserves to identify connectivity between reserves

for walkers, runners, cyclists, and to identify all access points into/out of the reserves.

• More public toilets are required along Waikanae Stream. There are currently three, but there is a big distance between them. It was noted that a 10-year plan identified the need for another toilet at Grenaway Road, but it has never eventuated.

• More rubbish bins and dog poo bins required along the beach and Waikanae Stream.

• Request for the Open Space Strategy to address the use of cell towers / cell sites in public reserves. Some participants wanted to at least be consulted on proposals for new cell sites. Others wanted the Strategy to include criteria for when the Council may, or may not, consider a cell site in public open space to be appropriate.

• Request for Council’s Acquisition Strategy to include reference to purchasing land, where possible, to join the gaps between existing stretches of the CWB.

• Request for the Open Space Strategy to refer to the Council’s policy on community gardens and to establish clear direction on which reserves would be / not be appropriate for community gardens.

• Limit vehicle access to the beach, perhaps through an arrangement with the launching ramp. However, this may create difficulties with providing disabled access and access for horses.


• Archaeological sites in the Waikanae North development area need protection. • Mangaone Walkway is a gazetted walkway and therefore cannot be used as a

bridleway. • Airport runway extension will necessitate relocation of Wharemauku Stream and

CWB tracks at the southern end (near Kaka Road) • The informality of access points to Waikanae Beach is appreciated. Would rather

not see them upgraded to concrete paths such as those at Paraparaumu Beach.


Workshop 6 – Ecological and Heritage Special Focus Group 1 December 2009

Existing ecological reserves not shown on map: • Shields Flat Historic Reserve (DOC) Otaki Gorge Road • Check that the map shows all the existing QE covenants around Te Hapua Road,

including the new one. It was noted that Rob Cross has been working with Isobel Gabites on this.

• Nga Manu Reserve not shown • Waiorongomai Lake Maori Reserve (nth of Otaki) • Areas covered by Section 221 Notices – small areas of ecological significance,

not covenanted but covered by legal agreement between council and landowner • KCDC “ecological sites”, identified under the district plan. Vegetation clearance

prohibited, assistance provided with fencing, pest control, rates relief. • Operation Kaka area (belt of high-intensity pest control through Tararua FP from

Otaki Forks to Holdsworth) could be shown. • Note: while not “protected areas” as such, it would be informative to include on the

map those areas currently under intensive pest control (AHB and DOC aerial possum control, GWRC Key Native Ecosystem or KNE areas). Forest areas under such control are of higher ecological value than untreated areas, which has implications for prioritising restoration of corridors. There may be less value in restoring a corridor that links to forest in poor condition compared with the Otaki River which links to the Operation Kaka area, for example.

Additional ecological reserves requested: • Magnificent stand of tawa on private land in the vicinity of Ringawhati Road

(Otaki). The site is fenced. Land owner is considering some form of protection. • Awanui Drive (Waikanae North) – property with old homestead on it has a lot of

native bush on it, which may be worthy of protection • Nikau Palm Road at the foot of Analby Road, area of geological importance

because of green-sand this should be protected. • Te Hapua wetland (Nth Pekapeka). While some of this is covenanted, remainder

should be protected • Substantial area of native bush immediately west of SH1 just south of Greenhill

Road (Nth Waikanae). Needs to be retained. • Significant area of coastal kohekohe and manuka forest between Waikanae

cemetery and Waikanae Park Additional corridors requested: • Extensive framework of ecological corridors was marked on the map. The

framework was based on the existing pattern of vegetation, quality of existing vegetation, proximity of vegetation patches to one-another (favouring patches that can easily be connected), following waterways to connect sea to hills for fauna, land ownership (favouring publicly owned land)

• Kapiti Coast has a very special sequence of protected areas (perhaps unique): marine reserve – nature reserve (island) – marine reserve – scientific reserve – scenic reserves – forest park. Corridors following suggested pattern reflect these relationships.

• Priority for the strategy should be to provide connectivity for birds and fish • Prioritise native plantings along streams to create natural ecological corridors


• Connect open space with the streams. Streams around Nga Manu (Waikanae) were specifically noted. Will need inter-agency cooperation for this.

• Plant appropriate bird food species along roads to improve connectivity and food supplies. Similarly, encourage planting of such species in private yards.

• When the new railway station at Waikanae is constructed, provide sufficient plantings in the car park so that it contributes to the ecological resource / corridors of the area. Work with GWRC to achieve this.

• Kereru corridor noted from Hemi Matenga to Waikanae Estuary. Plantings should support this.

• Noted that the movement of fauna between the hills and the coast has improved in recent years because subdivisions and rural residential type development is seeing an increase in the diversity of planting, in comparison to more mono-cultural plantings on large farm holdings

Improvements to existing ecological areas requested: • Buffer zones between breeding sites and CWB are very important. This is done

well on the Smith Farm (Waikanae). It was noted that bitterns breed on Pharazyn Reserve (Waikanae), so buffer zones are important.

• Noted that KCDC is proposing to create a wetland from Drain 6 into Wharemauku Stream which will also treat storm water

• Access routes through existing and new ecological reserves should be sensitive to breeding areas, to remove any conflict between the needs of fauna and public access.

• Coastal foredunes need greater protection. Healthy foredunes act as shock absorbers between the community and the coast, an important consideration in view of climate change. Coastal subdivision is systematically flattening the natural dune profile. Ideally, remaining coastal foredunes should be reserved. More fencing, weed and pest control, ecological restoration is needed.

Other ecological suggestions and comments: • Provide rongoa planting in ecological reserves throughout the District, particularly

in areas that young people might use so they can learn about traditional medicines while playing

• Limit vehicle access at Te Horo Beach to protect estuary environment • The good work of the Friends of Otaki River and Nga Uruora was noted • Noted that there is good ecological restoration work being undertaken at the

Valley Road golf course • Mix plantings for ecological purposes with “fruits of the forest”. This will provide a

dual purpose and community focus approach to open space • Greater controls / guidance on subdivisions is required. For example, wetlands

should not be replaced by ponds – this is not mitigation when genuine wetland values are lost. Also streams should be continued with shallow sides and planted with natives that attract birds

• Raking of the braided rivers, including Otaki River, upsets natural river habitats • Ecological restoration in upper Waikanae catchment needed (recognised that

GWRC is doing pest control in places) • Some mentioned that co-ordination between agencies responsible for pest and

weed control could be improved, though noted that these agencies do work together already.

• Note that substantial areas of forested land between Tararua FP and farmland (principally north of the Waikanae River) are not protected. Ownership includes private, Maori, forestry companies


Heritage features / routes to heritage features to be protected: • US Marines site – noted that a trust is being formed, led by the US Embassy, to

protect and interpret the history in the Paekakariki area • Provide a walkway to/protection for the Marine’s tank (historic structure) near

where Transmission Gully will meet SH1. Built as a fuel storage facility, located on Middle Run Farm (marked on map)

• Features on Whareroa Farm associated with marines • Protect and promote public access to the heritage features at Otaki Forks,

including better signage to the old mills • Hand-cut tunnel near east end of Kaitawa Reserve. Tunnel diverted a stream for

a mill near current substation (gully down from Maungakawa trig) • Significant geo-preservation sites identified by Tony Edwards should be protected

(included in a region-wide inventory of significant sites, including a ranking of their values)

• Listed NZAA sites • Note that a heritage flagging system was developed by iwi (Susan Forbes). A

graduated system of alerts to be sent to land owners to be triggered by applications for consent to do earthworks (including building), based on likelihood of archaeological finds. Red was zone closest to the coast, likelihood declined with greater distance from coast. This was proposed but not implemented. Where is it now?

Recreational routes requested • Connection between Whareroa Farm and QE Park • Connection between QE Park and Mataihuka track • Possibility of providing public access to north end of Mataihuka track via service

easement from Kaitawa Reserve?


Workshop 7 – Recreation Special Focus Group 1 December 2009

Existing recreation reserves / routes not shown on map: • Raumati South, Matai Road (southern end) – two tennis courts are available.

They were provided as part of subdivision consents. They need better signage and advertising on KCDC brochures and webpage.

• GWRC proposes picnic area on Waikane River just downstream of Kebbels Bend. Additional sports reserves / facilities requested: • Otaki Domain:

- additional land requested to address the over use by multi-code sports on the Domain, such as rugby, soccer, touch, league, athletics. Very good lighting in the Domain adds to the pressure on the park for night-time training. Drainage issues.

- don’t bisect the Domain with a CWB right through the middle of it – alter the route (it was noted that the current route is indicative only)

• Otaki – provide new sports fields on rural land to the north of the township, such as land to the east of SH1 and north of Greenwood Boulevard

• Haruatai Park – could be used for touch to relieve some of the pressure on Otaki Domain.

• Otaki Racetrack– provide sports field facilities in the middle of the track and a walkway from the railway station to the racecourse

• There is a general lack of children’s athletics facilities. These need a large area (larger than a football field). If expressway goes through Paraparaumu Domain then this situation will be made worse. Possible sites for development of track and field facilities: Te Ati Awa, Matthews Park, Mazengarb.

• Paraparaumu Domain: - provide athletics track with artificial surface - make it good enough to host big rugby games

• Waikanae area – need more soccer fields. Possible locations include Pahrazyn Reserve and new northern subdivisions. Facilities in Waikanae Nth should be located at southern end of development so that they serve existing Waikanae as well as new suburbs

• QE Park - provide artificial turf for soccer • Noted that when the Paekakariki tennis courts are taken over by KCDC there is

potential for it to become a dual-purpose reserve, providing netball as well as tennis courts

• Not enough sports fields in the District are lit for rugby or soccer • In order to manage the demand placed on specific fields, there is a need to

identify fields for training and fields for games. • Soccer fields at Jim Cook Park are threatened by new stopbank development.

Possible new sites are vacant land on southern bank and under the pylons nearby • Once the Western Link route has been finalised there may be opportunities to

develop sports fields on disused land currently designated for the WLR. • Identify places for freedom camping Additional community play grounds requested: • No unmet needs identified


Additional bike facilities requested: • Mountain bike park – there are currently talks with DoC about an area on

Whareroa Farm • Provide a pump track / skills track in a reserve in each community across the

District. It should have an undulating surface, where young people in particular, can learn cycling skills. Trial this at Waikanae Park.

• Provide a dedicated, sealed track in QE Park for cyclists doing time trials, which would be safer than using main roads.

• Cycle parking facilities needed at all Council owned open space. People who want to ride their bikes often get there to find no safe/convenient place to lock their bikes. Designed for security and easy use.

Additional CWB routes requested: • Secure access to north end of Mataihuka walkway (including across private land

from Panorama Drive) • Explore opportunities with NZTA for a CWB along Transmission Gully route. • The walkway from Rimu Road to the far end of the airport seems to peter out after

Milne Drive into a series of private fields with fences. It’s impossible to use with a bike (this is an informal track across airport land and could be formalised as part of the airport runway extension)

• Provide a walkway from Otaki River to Aotaki Street (or somewhere similar to link the river to the township)

• Connection needed between Otaki River and Rahui Road to the east (upstream) of Crystalls Bend

• Link from Eruni St (Waikanae) to CWB route to south. Council should buy vacant section to create this link.

• Explore opportunities for walking links through schools. These provide public access as well as informal school security by increasing scrutiny of activity in school grounds

• Beach/seawall should be promoted as a safe alternative to Marine Parade because traffic on the Parade can be dangerous, given how narrow it is

Other new recreation areas, or additional facilities in existing recreational areas requested: • Lack of a regional park at the northern end of the District • Identify appropriate open spaces across the District where evening events could

be held, and provide necessary facilities. Examples of appropriate parks include Otaihanga Domain, Waikanae Park, Kaitawa Reserve, QE Park, Southwards. It was noted that if the pool in Marine Gardens (Raumati) is removed, then events could be held there.

• More bridle and grazing areas requested in existing reserves. One location requested was a horse float park at the end of Greenaway Road, either in the KCDC reserve or next to it. It was noted that an area has now been identified for bridle and grazing purposes in QE Park.

• Water-based recreation – provide a pier at Waikanae for fishing, jumping and other social swimming activities

• Water-based recreation – enhance the boat club to attract events, such as regattas, to the District

• Botanical Gardens requested. • Provide work-out stations along popular biking/running/walking routes (e.g. the

Waikanae water front path) and beside popular children’s playgrounds similar to the facilities at Noosa (Australia), Wellington City, Hamilton, Napier


• Blow karting – provide a permanent location for competitions. Need a site that is flat, windy and large. Waikanae Beach and Paraparaumu Airport are good locations.

• Council should keep the old tip at Otaihanga for open space purposes • In an existing or new park provide facilities for children to learn while playing, such

as tadpole pond, wetlands, harakeke, rangoa planting. Possibly co-located with an adventure play ground

• Provide public transport to all recreation facilities and cycle stands • More BMX and skate parks required for young people. It was noted that the site

of the BMX track at Te Atiawa is only just big enough but there is no remove for supporting facilities such as a club house or toilet

• Provide dedicated dog areas that are fenced. No locations suggested. It was noted that the Council is currently addressing this.

• Provide a reserve, or part of a reserve, for a “food forest” with public access through it

Provide sky diving facilities at Paraparaumu Airport. Improvements to recreation areas / routes requested: • Plan layout of recreation areas strategically to maximise utility for multiple

activities on a single site. Examples: Haruatai Park (Otaki) needs reconfiguration to make better use of available space. Arts Society building in Matai Road should have gone into corner of reserve to make better use of remaining space

• Raumati swimming pool needs an upgrade if it is to be retained. • Waikanae netball courts (beside Memorial Hall) – they are derelict and need

resurfacing or new courts provided in another reserve. • Waikanae Park – improve changing rooms • Weka Park – improve changing facilities • Lack of shelters for spectators and walkers in many reserves across the District.

A request for shelters in QE Park was specifically noted • Te Atiawa – resurfacing of hard-surfaced routes required. • Toilet facilities at all Otaki open spaces need improvement/provision. Council

could consider use of composting toilets at more remote locations to reduce costs. • More park benches on longer streets, to recognise high proportion of elderly

residents and encourage more people to walk. • Provide high-quality surfaces on cycle trails • Shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists need to be wide. Many paths are

currently narrower than is desirable. • Disability-grade tracks on popular routes. Should include picnic tables etc. of a

design that wheelchair users can use. Other suggestions • Suggest the Council works with schools to provide more shared-use facilities

(courts, fields, gyms), rather than duplicating by building new public facilities. Good examples of shared facilities include gyms at Kapiti and Paraparaumu colleges. However it was noted that school facilities are generally suitable for touch rugby and netball but too small for rugby, soccer and cricket.

• Otaki is poorly served with recreational links. High priority should be given to CWB routes in this area (especially N-S link through DOC land south of Otaki Health Camp School)

• Identify appropriate location(s) in the district for motocross / trail bikes / 4WD vehicles, to provide for them, while reducing damage or nuisance from their use in inappropriate areas. Some people suggested QE Park for motocross but this was not widely endorsed. Informal 4WD access to tracks in Maungakotukutuku Valley


was noted as particularly problematic. Designate a place for them to make their messes and keep them out of the rest.

• Establish permanent sign boards for promoting events on public open spaces. Currently such signs are put up in ad-hoc manner and often look messy. Permanent boards could have a mural on them so they are public art while not in use.

• Give priority to CWB routes along rivers and streams. • Ideally, facilities should be local rather than centralised as much as possible. For

example, people would like 3 existing swimming pools retained in addition to new aquatic centre (it was noted the Council would be unlikely to be able to afford to keep Raumati as well as providing the new centre)

• Public information about recreation opportunities: better promotion needed. Information needed at railway station. Regularly update website. Update Footloose in Kapiti booklet. Better signage along popular routes / to popular destinations (e.g. Waikanae River)

• The northern end of QE Park is generally poorly provided with facilities. The north end should be regarded as of equal importance to the southern (a greater population lives adjacent to it). Particularly lacking are toilets and car parks.


Appendix 3 – Community Workshop Maps


Summary of Community Views During November and December 2009, seven community workshops were held across the District. Five of these were area-based, and were held in Otaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati and Paekakariki. Two theme-based workshops were held in Paraparaumu to specifically discuss recreation and ecology/heritage. These workshops were designed to build on the findings from consultations undertaken during the Community Outcomes processes and strategic planning documents prepared by the Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council and DOC that related to open space provisions in Kapiti District. Participants at the workshops did not ask for a lot of additional open space. They wanted ecological values recognised and protected, better access and connections, some new open spaces for leisure and recreation, and they wanted better quality open space. To the extent possible, the suggestions for additional open space including linkages are shown on the community workshop maps. The responses are elaborated on below. Ecological values were requested to be recognised and protected, with areas of important vegetation and ecological corridors identified, and improvements to existing ecological reserves noted. Better access and connections were requested, particularly between existing open spaces (including the coast and rivers) and to better link the CWB network (e.g. to link QE Park, Whareroa Park and Akatarawa Forest). Many suggestions also related to improving the safety of existing pedestrian and cycle routes. New areas for open space for leisure and recreation were requested, although the locations for these were not always specified. In particular:

• additional sports fields were requested in Otaki, Waikanae, and Paekakariki • botanic gardens were requested, with sites suggested in Paraparaumu and

Waikanae, and at the old Otaihanga Landfill • a regional park was requested at the northern end of the District • open space provision in the town centres of Waikanae and Paraparaumu • a playground requested in Otaihanga Domain. • BMX tracks / bike skills tracks were suggested at Paekakariki and Waikanae • mountain biking at Otaki Forks and Whareroa Farm.

Better quality open space was requested, including improved surfaces, facilities and planting, and signage to and within the open space.

The remainder of this document contains the notes from each workshop and maps that, where possible, summarise the comments made at the workshops.


Workshop 1 - Otaki / Te Horo Area 17 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Mangaone Stream Reserve (at the coastal end of Te Horo Beach Road) • Te Horo Coastal Reserve (Pukenamu Estates) • Mahoe Street, extending around the bend in the stream, by Sea Spray (Otaki). An

existing reserve that has macrocarpa and is a breeding ground for shags • Walking/cycling/horse riding track on true right bank of Otaki river extends

upstream from SH1 to just beyond Crystalls Bend. • Safe and scenic inland cycling route exists from Manakau to Otaki via Waitohu

Valley Road. • Question: is there public land on the beach side of the Fish and Game road north

of Te Horo? Ideally, reserve land should extend along the foredune between Te Horo Beach and Otaki River. Similarly, coastal route north of Otaki River does not appear as reserve. Is this correct?

Improving access to Otaki River: • Large area of public open space on west (sea) side of SH1 at south end of bridge.

This has great potential for walking and picnicking but access is very restricted. A larger car park is needed and entrance to the area needs improvement. It was noted that NZTA/Transit has been unsupportive because of concerns about traffic leaving and joining SH1 from the carpark.

• Create a green belt for safe access to the river for local kids. The route could go from Aotaki Street, through the tip site to the river (this route is currently used by local kids and formalising it would reduce risk associated with current unmanaged access)

• Access to and around Winstones Lake (see below) linking Rahui Road with river Additional / improved routes requested: • Explore opportunities for providing family mountain biking in the Otaki area. For

example, a route from Otaki Forks Road, across the swing bridge, along Kaitawa Road and in towards the DoC reserves. This would link up with other cycle routes. Limitations were noted regarding access across private land in this area.

• If the Expressway doesn’t go ahead along SH1, dedicated cycleways should be provided along two stretches of the existing SH1 where there is heavy recreational cycling use: between Old Hautere Road and Te Horo Beach Road; and between Te Hapua road and Peka Peka Road.

• Ideally, the coastal cycling route would be completed south of the Otaki River. However it was noted that the owners of marae land (on the south bank of the river at the mouth) are not supportive. However, see next point.

• A potential cycle route exists between Harakeke Road (Te Horo) and the River via Lethbridge Road and the road associated with a new subdivision (off Harakeke Rd).

• Connection from Pukenamu Road to Te Horo Beach Village. This would create a safe connection via Pukenamu Rd and Puruaha Rd to the beach, creating a loop. A short length of additional track would be required to achieve this. Include stream restoration with track?

• Improve safety of SH1 bridge crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. In immediate term, speed limit on bridge could be reduced to 70km/h. Longer term, improve the footpath, and consider providing an under-bridge east-west crossing so that


people can park on east side and access open space area on west side without crossing the road (see above). South-bound cyclists could also use the footpath on west side of bridge before crossing under the bridge to resume on east side of SH1. Development of the expressway would create an opportunity to greatly improve pedestrian and cyclist access over the current bridge.

• A safe alternative for cyclists crossing the Waitohu Stream on SH1 is needed (dangerous narrow bridge)

• Support was expressed for particular elements of CWB including a track linking Haruatai Park with the cemetery, and a foot bridge across the stream from Atkinson Ave

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Stands of old totara trees on private land on Hautere plains including along Otaki

Gorge Road through to the beach at Te Waka Road, and south of School Road (individual trees in paddocks are non-viable but stands could become self-sustaining if stock was excluded)

• Historic stands of cabbage trees (ti kouka) on Katihiku Marae. • Site of old Gear Farm (Te Horo) has native bush and a natural spring. It’s on

private land and may already be fenced off. • Significant wetland area Otepua Swamp was noted (Taylors Road) – much of this

is already protected as DOC reserve or QEII covenant Additional recreation areas requested: • Demand for sports grounds exceeds the current provision on Haruatai Park.

Either expand the park or look for additional provision elsewhere. Land adjacent to the park has ownership constraints (e.g. subject to Treaty claims). Otaki Domain can’t be extended either. Consider the use of nearby farmland.

• Ensure that the Otaki “Passive Recreation” Lake eventuates as part of Winstone’s contribution to environmental restoration and reparation.

• In general, Otaki township is poorly provided with public open space (considering that the two large KCDC-owned “reserve” areas by the sewage plant are not available for recreation). Were the expressway routed through Pareomatangi Reserve (as is currently proposed) then this situation would be made worse.

• KCDC should purchase the old motor camp (Seagrass Estate) at the end of Moana Street (Otaki). It would be a beautiful spot for public open space and would support the current stream care work as well as providing a possible location for freedom camping.

Adventure park: • Location would depend on the size of the facility required. • It may not be appropriate along Marine Parade as it will interrupt the sea views

and be too windswept. • Tasman Park could be a potential site, particularly on the vacant land at the rear,

or Haruatai Park • Angela Graham teacher at Waitohu School is keen to use this as a school module

topic for her students (and other Otaki schools could do the same). Di Buchan described to Angela and Tamsin Evans a design process for a community park which was recently undertaken as part of the curriculum by several schools in Waitangirua, Porirua. Di undertook to send Tamsin and Angela a copy of the video made about this project. Tamsin agreed to follow this up with Angela.

Additional facilities at Te Horo Beach: No additional facilities suggested.


Protecting dunes etc. from vehicles Vehicle access should be restricted to specific areas but this needs to be enforced (practical difficulties of enforcement were noted). The problem was noted as being particularly bad at Te Horo beach (sensitive ecological areas such as the boulder bank and flax wetland affected by unfettered vehicle access). It was noted, however, that many people enjoy riding/driving on the beach and so access should not be closed altogether. Other comments: • Existing KCDC reserve on Sims Road (Te Horo) has been fenced off, which limits

public access. Potential to provide seating and to plant in natives to provide a great spot to enjoy the views of the Tararuas.

• DoC reserve along Marine Parade (Otaki) is subject to a Maori Land Claim.


Workshop 2 - Raumati 18 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Jeep Road reserve, plus accessway, is missing. A community garden is proposed

on this reserve. KCDC is currently considering. • Access way from the end of Jeep Road to the beach exists (not proposed as

shown). It includes a boat ramp and car park and provides safe beach access. • Pedestrian access way between McKenzie Ave and The Esplanade is missing. • Tracks, paths and railway tracks within Marine Gardens are marked incorrectly.

Suggest GPS survey of these. • Berts Way and Hobys Way are both pedestrian access. • Margaret Park: existing N-S walking track not marked. Also, in the new

subdivision NW of Margaret Park: a walking track links the extension of Renown Road and Margaret Road.

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Rare manuka wetland to protect at the northern end of QE Park (between Matai

Rd and Te Ra School). It was suggested that the proposed CWB walking route through this area is inappropriate given the area’s vulnerability.

• Coastal area on the northern side of the river (to the north of Marine Gardens) should have some form of ecological protection. It is the only stretch of beach that feels natural.

Additional recreation areas requested: • Northern side of the river (to the north of Marine Gardens) should be a public

reserve, with shelter from the wind and good access provided. It would provide an ideal area for elderly to access / experience the beach.

Improving access to and along the beach: • A walking route was requested along the beach, from Poplar Ave to QE Park. • More access points to the beach requested and better maintenance of existing

access to the beach, particularly at the southern end. • Poplar Ave is dangerous to walk and cycle along. Currently families are cycling

on the footpath to keep children safe. Some sections (east of Te Ra School) lack footpaths and others are narrow. The proposed CWB along Poplar Ave to the beach should have a dedicated cycle, walking and bridle route. Speed limit should also be enforced.

Additional / improved routes requested: • The routes from Wharemauku Stream to the Village aren’t clear. A potential route

would be one that followed the bridle route through Weka Park and along Kowhai Grove. Improved signage would also help, particularly in the vicinity of Kiwi Road / CWB route.

• Cycle routes along Marine Parade / Matatua Road, Rosetta Road and The Esplanade are dangerous. The walkways need to be widened. Some people walk or cycle along the top of the seawall rather than along the esplanade. This could be formalised as a proper path (although it was noted that high maintenance would be required because of scouring, driftwood etc)

• Footpath is needed around the Jeep Road/Tennis Court Road corner. Dangerous for kids walking to school.


• The path from Maungakotukutuku Road needs stiles and other measures to prevent damage from motor vehicles.

• A bridge is needed to connect the two ends of Tui Road. • More tracks giving access from Raumati to QE Park. There is an existing farm

track which runs from Poplar Ave to Mackays Crossing. Public access to this would improve access without having to build a new track.

• Strong support expressed for securing access to the northern end of Mataihuka Track (on the escarpment above SH1) as shown on map.

• Safe pedestrian access between QE Park and Whareroa Farm (e.g. underpass). Other open space requested • Maximise opportunity for open space along Western Link Road, depending on the

southern exit point. • Some participants noted that the underused Ministry of Education land (NE

corner, Kapiti College) would provide an ideal motor camp. Others suggested this area should be used for off-street parking and a drop-off area for the school, to get parents’ cars off the road at beginning and end of school days. This is currently an attractive area of open space.

Improving access to Marine Gardens • Entrance to park should be widened / upgraded to make it more obviously walk-

through and inviting. This was the subject of the 2006 Raumati Town Centre consultation. Proposal at that time had good support from the community (including Friends of Miniature Railway).

• The route to Marine Gardens requires better signage from the Village, and the intersection in front of the gardens needs improvements for safety purposes. The intersection is dangerous because of high traffic speeds combined with a busy area, lots of distractions and two pedestrian crossings to the gardens. Traffic calming needed.

Other comments: • Better signage to the coast and to QE Park was requested. • Hydes Road Reserve could do with tidying up. It offers good coastal views and

park benches to take advantage of this. • Proposed walkway/bridleway through QE Park to east of dunes (marked) is

subject of funding application as part of the national cycleway.


Workshop 3 - Paekakariki 19 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • CWB route along Ramaroa Road • CWB route between Emerald Glen Road through Whareroa Farm continues

around the back of the properties opposite MacKays Crossing Wildlife Reserve east of the state highway

• The area between the two KCDC reserves on Ames Street (south of Ames Street Reserve) is currently a reserve. Ownership unknown.

• Add the existing track to the CWB that runs from SH1 (opposite Sang Sue’s market garden) directly south, so that it links up with the proposed CWB.

• It was noted that it is likely that the tennis club will be gifted to the Council, in which case it will become a public resource.

Improving access to and along the beach: • At southern end need a formed path between the Parade and the beach as at the

northern end • Need more places to access the beach from The Parade • Need for clear signage from the village to the Sand Track and the Sand Track to

the beach • Rocks at the base of the steps at The Parade make access difficult • There is no formed access at the southern end of Ames Street to the beach, and

so people walking/cycling through there are eroding the dunes. Improving links between the railway station and the town and the town and the beach • Link between village and beach needs to be more visible – use signage and

plantings from the end of beach road to the start of the parade to entice people to the beach

• There is no safe crossing between the railway station and Steam Incorporated • Signage is needed on Beach Rd/Wellington Rd corner to direct people

approaching from Ames Street to the Motor Camp and QE Park.

Are any additional managed access ways needed to Queen Elizabeth Park? • All considered the existing managed entranceways at Wellington Road were

sufficient but this entrance could be made more user friendly (e.g. it is too narrow for buggies.

• A railway platform at MacKays Crossing would link the railway to QE Park promoting easier access to the park for regional and district-wide visitors.

Are any CWB links required within Queen Elizabeth Park, in addition to those already proposed? • The proposed CWBs through Queen Elizabeth Park were drawn on the map.

GWRC noted that the southern route is approximately 18 months away from construction. The northern route may be longer-term as the lease on this area isn’t due for renewal in 2012. The east-west route to Valley Road is a low priority for GWRC.

• Important not to forget the commuter cycle track to be built between Raumati and Paekakariki railway station. This should have a link to Valley Road


Additional / improved routes requested: • There is no CWB route linking QE Park, Whareroa Park and the Akatarawa forest

owned by GWRC. The only CWB route through Whareroa to the Akatarawas is from Valley Road.

• The track through the Ames St Reserve is not currently suitable for bicycles – conflicts with walkers. Need separate routes.

• New pedestrian route from Tilley Road to SH1 (just north of Tarawa Street) to provide safe access across the railway land (via private land - NZTA land).

• Negotiate a new pedestrian route from SH1 to connect to the Marine Fuel Tank (historic site) if Transmission Gully goes ahead.

• Access to the hills is limited in four main places, despite tracks being available. They are not obviously marked and you have to ‘negotiate’ your way in with landowners.

Improvements to reserves requested: • Enhancements to Ames Street Reserve – need more landscape planting, no

more Council dumps, create pathways through and to the beach Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Remnant bush along the northern side of Campbells Rd. Unfenced and currently

grazed. Question around whether it is private land or public land (part of the road reserve).

• Check the QE Park Management Plans for areas that could be developed to enhance existing wetlands.

Additional recreation areas requested: • Provide a BMX area (‘pump track’) where young people can learn cycling skills.

Hastings has a good example. It could be accommodated at the southern end of QE Park, immediately to the north of the urban area (access off Wellington Rd).

• Additional sports fields were requested. Both suggested locations were on QE Park. One suggestion was where there used to be sports fields (adjacent to SH1, north of MacKays Crossing). Another suggestion was at the southern end of QE Park (via Tilley Road), which would be closer to residents / urban area.

• Some suggestion for netball hoops in Campbell Park. Others felt that the purpose of the park is to provide green space and courts were available in the nearby school.

Other open space requested • Community garden requested. Suggestions for locations were on the school

grounds, Ames Street Reserve, and behind Tilley Road. It was noted that KCDC is working on a policy for using Council land for this purpose.

Protection sought for existing open space areas: • Protect open space and existing community boundary by preventing development

on the farmland and Sang Sue’s market garden area on the north east boundary of the township.

Other comments: • Update CWB maps available to the public and make them readily available to the

public (rather than just from Council’s office) through Visitor Information Centres, and on public notice boards.

Important to keep in mind the work undertaken by James Lundy (Common Ground) on Whareroa/QE Park and the Gateway concept (information available through the Guardians of Whareroa).


Workshop 4 - Paraparaumu 23 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Mark Nga Manu clearly. • Check the ownership / status of the ecological areas on Simon Brown’s land.

Some areas are under a QE2 covenant but the map appears to show it as DoC land.

• A gravel pedestrian and bridle route is provided along Valley Road, but is not shown on the maps. It could do with improvements (extra base course) in places.

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection: • Noted that the plantings as part of the DUNE project to the south of Waikanae

Estuary are making a significant difference to the regeneration/growth of the dunes.

Additional recreation areas requested: • Generally felt that there was sufficient provision for sports fields and playgrounds. Linkages to Kapiti Island / additional beach facilities: Various scale of suggestions made, with a location somewhere south of the boat club: • Pier – would provide a gateway to the Island and help people in wheel chairs to

experience the coast / island. Tie in with a tram from railway station to provide a proper link to Kapiti Island from the rest of the district / region.

• Visitor centre at the beach – to inform people about trips to Kapiti Island and/or provide sufficient information/visuals about the island to provide a “visitor” experience without having to travel to the island. Noted that numbers of visitors to the island needs to be limited because of its role as a wildlife reserve and demand is always likely to exceed capacity.

• Viewing platform – a place to stop, look at Kapiti Island, eat etc. The lookout at the top of Nikau Reserve was said to offer the best views of the island. More could be done to direct people (including visitors) there.

• Display boards – 3-6 boards with information on the history of the area and access to Kapiti Island. Could be designed by Kapiti College.

• Provide charter boats to take visitors around the island. Additional / improved routes requested: • Access to Panorama Drive from the north is needed as a priority. This is the most

popular track in the area, which would be significantly enhanced by northern access.

• Provide stiles at each end of the current CWB (where it is shown in red to the south of Mahaki Road / south-west of Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve).

• Explore opportunities for better CWB routes through the airport site when it is redeveloped, to improve linkages between the town centre and the beach. In particular, links across the SW corner are needed. A formed track between Alexander and Titoki Rd is already used by some people but is not formally available.

• Widen pedestrian access along Tahi Road to improve linkages between the town centre and the beach.

• Seal walkway into Marzengarb Reserve (the seal stops short of the park)


• Footbridge to join the two parts of Tui Street. • Continue sealing CWB along Wharemauku Stream to improve access for buggies,

wheel chairs, roller skating etc. • Pedestrian/cycle access from the CBD to the beach that is separate from Kapiti

Road. Ideally, this would at least be separated from the roadway by a grass strip. • Cycle route along Marine Parade / Matatua Road is dangerous. The

walkway/cycleway needs to be widened. • Better signage is needed to show the way to Waikanae Estuary from the south

and east. Good routes exist but are not easy to find for non-locals. • As a general observation, the quality of roadside surfaces where cyclists are

expected to ride is poor (including loose gravel, broken glass). This should be the BEST part of the road.

• General comment: neighbourhood walking/cycling connections could be marked with signs and on maps so that more people can use minor roads and connectors to get from town to beach etc (more pleasant than walking along main roads like Kapiti Road). However, need to be mindful of implications for private properties of directing the public through these little accessways (e.g. security).

• Strong support for implementing CWB route to northern end of escarpment (Mataihuka track).

Other open space requested: • Paraparaumu lacks a botanical garden or any large-scale amenity park near the

CBD. A botanical garden was requested. There would be a big pool of volunteers with many residents having botanical knowledge. Some suggested it should be located around an existing stand of bush and be in an accessible location. Suggestions included: near Nga Manu; in conjunction with the covenanted areas on Simon Bush’s land; alongside Wharemauku Stream downstream of the CBD.

• Ideally, all of Wharemauku Stream would be protected/developed as open space. Priority for beautification should be area closest to CBD. When land to west of CBD (3B block) is subdivided, the Council should secure flood-prone land adjacent to stream as reserve.

• Provide a lake in the civic centre – make it a feature and use it for water storage. • Additions to the open space network in the hill country to the east should prioritise

views of the coast and the island. • Council purchase the Tower Lakes pond and open space along Kāpiti Road (near

the airport) for use as a public reserve. This land is currently on the market. Other comments: • It was noted that the landowner to the north west of Kaitawa Scenic Reserve

(Catholic Church) did not allow public access across the land. Therefore, it will be difficult to achieve the CWB in this area.

• Provide signage for campervans in existing car parks along the coast, between Ocean Road and Mannson Lane and in the vicinity of Marine Gardens. The signage should be welcoming and set out the criteria for being allowed to stay overnight. It was noted that KCDC is considering the provision of freedom camping as part of the preparation for the Rugby World Cup.

• Update brochure on Kapiti tracks and have it widely available. • Wesley Knight Park needs to be made more inviting so that more people use it. It

was noted that this has been identified as a possible contained off-leash dog exercise area.

• An information centre or at least visitor information boards should be installed at the bottom of Nikau Reserve. Existing visitor information centre at Coastlands is difficult to find and Nikau Reserve is a logical place for people arriving from north.


• Visitor information is also needed at the railway. Information is especially needed about routes to the beach, including walking/cycling routes and bus services.


• Many parks in Paraparaumu (e.g. Mazengarb) need amenity trees. Good examples are Kaitawa Reserve and Marine Gardens. Most parks in Waikanae have very good amenity trees.

• The “Bunnings” site (corner of Kapiti Rd and Milne Drive) should stay as open space rather than being re-zoned industrial and residential.


Workshop 5 – Waikanae / Peka Peka / Otaihanga / Reikorangi 24 November 2009

Existing reserves / routes not shown on map: • Questioned whether the Te Arawai footbridge is shown in the correct location

(some said it definitely was not. Correct location marked on workshop map). • Questioned whether the Reikorangi Christian College was still Ministry of

Education land, or whether it was now in private ownership. • Existing public access should be shown from Te Moana Road to the golf course

(past some motels) • El Rancho is not owned by GWRC. The ownership needs to be checked and

updated on the map. • The CWB through the Council depot is already formed, so it should be shown as

existing. It was noted that the routes need to be more clearly signposted as public.

• There is a QE2 covenant on land directly opposite the golf course, beside fairway Oaks.

• A range of routes shown on the map as “proposed walking” are in fact already available, especially many walking tracks in the hill country to the east including Mangaone Walkway and Hemi Matenga (these were marked on the map).

• Field Reserve, owned by Forest and Bird, on the east side of SH1 just north of Paraparaumu Scenic Reserve.

• Several recreation facilities are owned by clubs and zoned open space including the lawn bowing club and tennis club, Kapiti Golf Club. Paraparaumu Golf Club, Waikanae Golf Club. Uncertain as to whether they should be included.

• Tasman Lakes private plan change / subdivision - open space provided north of Hadfield Stream (Peka Peka).

Additional ecological areas to consider for protection / additional ecological works: • More spinifex planting is required along the dunes for passive protection. • Do not allow felling of kahikatea in Greendale Reserve if the Expressway goes

ahead on the west side of the railway. • Purchase the pond on the Tower Lakes site along Kapiti Road (in Longdale Road

area) to provide a wetland reserve. The site is no use for built development. • Potential for native restoration on KCDC land at Reikorangi. • An important wetland exists at the north end of Kawakahia, north of existing QE2

covenants. Could be potential for more covenants or land acquisition. • Need to plan for ecological corridors to facilitate bird movement. Streams provide

logical east - west connections between coast/Kapiti Island and inland forests. Encourage people in the urban area to plant the right species of trees to support birds, encouraging north-south bird movement between isolated protected areas such as Nga Manu, QE Park and the Waikanae River corridor.

Additional /improved recreation areas requested: • Possible sites for sports fields included:

- Howarth Estate (34 ha on the south bank, opposite Richmond Avenue). Council should purchase the site. Flooding and access issues (land locked)

- the vaulting club between Nimmo Avenue West and Richmond Avenue (however this is private land)

- Queens Road Reserve (already a popular area with kids)


- on airport land - as part of Waikanae North development.

• In general there is a shortage of soccer grounds. • Lack of informal play areas (spaces to kick a ball around rather than formal sports

fields). Suggestion to acquire part of the church land near the town centre (block bounded by Parata Street, Kapanui Road, Sylvan Ave, Belvedere Ave ).

• Dedicated area for dirt bikes to encourage them to keep off the beaches. Possible locations suggested were the sand quarry (off King Arthur Drive) and the landfill site (where a car club already operates). It was noted that the location would have to be carefully selected so not to reduce the quiet residential character of many areas.

• Develop Trig Hill Reserve as an exercise reserve for training and as a challenging exercise area for young people. Provide steep steps on the Ashleigh Way side and then a gradual incline to the top. Remove the cell site from the reserve. Continue native planting on the top.

• Otaihanga Domain was suggested as suitable for a children’s playground. Any playground should be located within the urban area of Otaihanga. The existing small playground in Kotuku Park is too far for children to walk.

• Questioned whether the old building and tennis courts at Reikorangi could be used as part of a recreation reserve.

Additional / improved routes requested: • Walkways from Te Moana Road to the north, between Park Avenue and

Kohekohe Road. • Explore opportunities for pedestrian links through the Liddel’s subdivision. • Additional footbridges over Waikanae River, e.g. at the end of Fleetwood Grove. • Link the two Waimeha Lagoon Reserves with a CWB route, possibly via Victor

Grove. • Council should purchase the Waikanae riverbank, north of SH1, to ensure that

walkways are provided. • Access routes to the beach are sufficient, but there could be better formation and

maintenance of them along the Millenium walkway. • Safety barrier needed on footpath on SH1 bridge over Waikanae River, or else

“clip on” pedestrian/cycle path. • Support expressed for connection of Huia Street to Hadfield Road (as shown on

CWB map). Proposed bridleway/walkways need to be linked through Waikanae Scenic Reserve to complete connection.

• Connection needed between the end of Huia Street and Ngarara Road (no suggestion for how this could be done).

• Low-level walking traverse through Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve, connecting northern and southern strands of Hemi Matenga walkway.

• Pedestrian under/overpass required at Elizabeth Street, giving access across highway and railway. Alternatively, or in addition, provide an under/overpass from the end of Te Moana Road to east of railway line.

• Strong support expressed for access routes through gorge to Reikorangi as shown on CWB map.

• New east-west access between Paetawa Road and the coast south of Peka Peka may be needed as Waikanae North is developed. Waikanae North development must allow for east-west connections to the coast in general.

• Cycleway between Waikanae and Otaki separated from SH1. • Potential recreational link between Akatarawa Forest and Mangaone Walkway. • Track from Ashton Road up Goodmans access and over hill to Waikanae River,

then across river to Akatarawa Road.


Other open space requested: • Provide urban open space in the town centre that draws on a design to reflect the

river and history of Waikanae. It should be done as part of a whole package of improvements that include creating gateways to the town and linkages to the river. Could use the proposed Expressway works as a catalyst for this.

• Botanical garden requested. Suggestions for sites included 364 Te Moana Road (11 acres) and the old Otaihanga landfill. (Note this was also raised at the Paraparaumu meeting at which other sites were proposed.)

• Community garden is currently proposed on part of the KCDC depot (the reserve shown in the block bounded by Te Moana Rd, Ngapaki St and Rangihiroa St).

• Provide a natural cemetery for green burials. • Dedicated dog area that is fenced. No locations suggested. • The proposed picnic area on the true left bank (South bank), upriver from Te

Arawai is the area where the track through the turf farm reaches the river. GW think that they no longer need it for rock storage, but need to keep an open space for the rock delivery trucks to turn around when they do occasionally deliver rocks. The Friends of Waikanae River have a planting plan for the area with shade trees and shelter trees along the fence line to break the wind. [This comment was sent in after the workshop so is not marked on the map].

Other comments: • Better signage is required in all reserves to identify connectivity between reserves

for walkers, runners, cyclists, and to identify all access points into/out of the reserves.

• More public toilets are required along Waikanae Stream. There are currently three, but there is a big distance between them. It was noted that a 10-year plan identified the need for another toilet at Grenaway Road, but it has never eventuated.

• More rubbish bins and dog poo bins required along the beach and Waikanae Stream.

• Request for the Open Space Strategy to address the use of cell towers / cell sites in public reserves. Some participants wanted to at least be consulted on proposals for new cell sites. Others wanted the Strategy to include criteria for when the Council may, or may not, consider a cell site in public open space to be appropriate.

• Request for Council’s Acquisition Strategy to include reference to purchasing land, where possible, to join the gaps between existing stretches of the CWB.

• Request for the Open Space Strategy to refer to the Council’s policy on community gardens and to establish clear direction on which reserves would be / not be appropriate for community gardens.

• Limit vehicle access to the beach, perhaps through an arrangement with the launching ramp. However, this may create difficulties with providing disabled access and access for horses.


• Archaeological sites in the Waikanae North development area need protection. • Mangaone Walkway is a gazetted walkway and therefore cannot be used as a

bridleway. • Airport runway extension will necessitate relocation of Wharemauku Stream and

CWB tracks at the southern end (near Kaka Road) • The informality of access points to Waikanae Beach is appreciated. Would rather

not see them upgraded to concrete paths such as those at Paraparaumu Beach.


Workshop 6 – Ecological and Heritage Special Focus Group 1 December 2009

Existing ecological reserves not shown on map: • Shields Flat Historic Reserve (DOC) Otaki Gorge Road • Check that the map shows all the existing QE covenants around Te Hapua Road,

including the new one. It was noted that Rob Cross has been working with Isobel Gabites on this.

• Nga Manu Reserve not shown • Waiorongomai Lake Maori Reserve (nth of Otaki) • Areas covered by Section 221 Notices – small areas of ecological significance,

not covenanted but covered by legal agreement between council and landowner • KCDC “ecological sites”, identified under the district plan. Vegetation clearance

prohibited, assistance provided with fencing, pest control, rates relief. • Operation Kaka area (belt of high-intensity pest control through Tararua FP from

Otaki Forks to Holdsworth) could be shown. • Note: while not “protected areas” as such, it would be informative to include on the

map those areas currently under intensive pest control (AHB and DOC aerial possum control, GWRC Key Native Ecosystem or KNE areas). Forest areas under such control are of higher ecological value than untreated areas, which has implications for prioritising restoration of corridors. There may be less value in restoring a corridor that links to forest in poor condition compared with the Otaki River which links to the Operation Kaka area, for example.

Additional ecological reserves requested: • Magnificent stand of tawa on private land in the vicinity of Ringawhati Road

(Otaki). The site is fenced. Land owner is considering some form of protection. • Awanui Drive (Waikanae North) – property with old homestead on it has a lot of

native bush on it, which may be worthy of protection • Nikau Palm Road at the foot of Analby Road, area of geological importance

because of green-sand this should be protected. • Te Hapua wetland (Nth Pekapeka). While some of this is covenanted, remainder

should be protected • Substantial area of native bush immediately west of SH1 just south of Greenhill

Road (Nth Waikanae). Needs to be retained. • Significant area of coastal kohekohe and manuka forest between Waikanae

cemetery and Waikanae Park Additional corridors requested: • Extensive framework of ecological corridors was marked on the map. The

framework was based on the existing pattern of vegetation, quality of existing vegetation, proximity of vegetation patches to one-another (favouring patches that can easily be connected), following waterways to connect sea to hills for fauna, land ownership (favouring publicly owned land)

• Kapiti Coast has a very special sequence of protected areas (perhaps unique): marine reserve – nature reserve (island) – marine reserve – scientific reserve – scenic reserves – forest park. Corridors following suggested pattern reflect these relationships.

• Priority for the strategy should be to provide connectivity for birds and fish • Prioritise native plantings along streams to create natural ecological corridors


• Connect open space with the streams. Streams around Nga Manu (Waikanae) were specifically noted. Will need inter-agency cooperation for this.

• Plant appropriate bird food species along roads to improve connectivity and food supplies. Similarly, encourage planting of such species in private yards.

• When the new railway station at Waikanae is constructed, provide sufficient plantings in the car park so that it contributes to the ecological resource / corridors of the area. Work with GWRC to achieve this.

• Kereru corridor noted from Hemi Matenga to Waikanae Estuary. Plantings should support this.

• Noted that the movement of fauna between the hills and the coast has improved in recent years because subdivisions and rural residential type development is seeing an increase in the diversity of planting, in comparison to more mono-cultural plantings on large farm holdings

Improvements to existing ecological areas requested: • Buffer zones between breeding sites and CWB are very important. This is done

well on the Smith Farm (Waikanae). It was noted that bitterns breed on Pharazyn Reserve (Waikanae), so buffer zones are important.

• Noted that KCDC is proposing to create a wetland from Drain 6 into Wharemauku Stream which will also treat storm water

• Access routes through existing and new ecological reserves should be sensitive to breeding areas, to remove any conflict between the needs of fauna and public access.

• Coastal foredunes need greater protection. Healthy foredunes act as shock absorbers between the community and the coast, an important consideration in view of climate change. Coastal subdivision is systematically flattening the natural dune profile. Ideally, remaining coastal foredunes should be reserved. More fencing, weed and pest control, ecological restoration is needed.

Other ecological suggestions and comments: • Provide rongoa planting in ecological reserves throughout the District, particularly

in areas that young people might use so they can learn about traditional medicines while playing

• Limit vehicle access at Te Horo Beach to protect estuary environment • The good work of the Friends of Otaki River and Nga Uruora was noted • Noted that there is good ecological restoration work being undertaken at the

Valley Road golf course • Mix plantings for ecological purposes with “fruits of the forest”. This will provide a

dual purpose and community focus approach to open space • Greater controls / guidance on subdivisions is required. For example, wetlands

should not be replaced by ponds – this is not mitigation when genuine wetland values are lost. Also streams should be continued with shallow sides and planted with natives that attract birds

• Raking of the braided rivers, including Otaki River, upsets natural river habitats • Ecological restoration in upper Waikanae catchment needed (recognised that

GWRC is doing pest control in places) • Some mentioned that co-ordination between agencies responsible for pest and

weed control could be improved, though noted that these agencies do work together already.

• Note that substantial areas of forested land between Tararua FP and farmland (principally north of the Waikanae River) are not protected. Ownership includes private, Maori, forestry companies


Heritage features / routes to heritage features to be protected: • US Marines site – noted that a trust is being formed, led by the US Embassy, to

protect and interpret the history in the Paekakariki area • Provide a walkway to/protection for the Marine’s tank (historic structure) near

where Transmission Gully will meet SH1. Built as a fuel storage facility, located on Middle Run Farm (marked on map)

• Features on Whareroa Farm associated with marines • Protect and promote public access to the heritage features at Otaki Forks,

including better signage to the old mills • Hand-cut tunnel near east end of Kaitawa Reserve. Tunnel diverted a stream for

a mill near current substation (gully down from Maungakawa trig) • Significant geo-preservation sites identified by Tony Edwards should be protected

(included in a region-wide inventory of significant sites, including a ranking of their values)

• Listed NZAA sites • Note that a heritage flagging system was developed by iwi (Susan Forbes). A

graduated system of alerts to be sent to land owners to be triggered by applications for consent to do earthworks (including building), based on likelihood of archaeological finds. Red was zone closest to the coast, likelihood declined with greater distance from coast. This was proposed but not implemented. Where is it now?

Recreational routes requested • Connection between Whareroa Farm and QE Park • Connection between QE Park and Mataihuka track • Possibility of providing public access to north end of Mataihuka track via service

easement from Kaitawa Reserve?


Workshop 7 – Recreation Special Focus Group 1 December 2009

Existing recreation reserves / routes not shown on map: • Raumati South, Matai Road (southern end) – two tennis courts are available.

They were provided as part of subdivision consents. They need better signage and advertising on KCDC brochures and webpage.

• GWRC proposes picnic area on Waikane River just downstream of Kebbels Bend. Additional sports reserves / facilities requested: • Otaki Domain:

- additional land requested to address the over use by multi-code sports on the Domain, such as rugby, soccer, touch, league, athletics. Very good lighting in the Domain adds to the pressure on the park for night-time training. Drainage issues.

- don’t bisect the Domain with a CWB right through the middle of it – alter the route (it was noted that the current route is indicative only)

• Otaki – provide new sports fields on rural land to the north of the township, such as land to the east of SH1 and north of Greenwood Boulevard

• Haruatai Park – could be used for touch to relieve some of the pressure on Otaki Domain.

• Otaki Racetrack– provide sports field facilities in the middle of the track and a walkway from the railway station to the racecourse

• There is a general lack of children’s athletics facilities. These need a large area (larger than a football field). If expressway goes through Paraparaumu Domain then this situation will be made worse. Possible sites for development of track and field facilities: Te Ati Awa, Matthews Park, Mazengarb.

• Paraparaumu Domain: - provide athletics track with artificial surface - make it good enough to host big rugby games

• Waikanae area – need more soccer fields. Possible locations include Pahrazyn Reserve and new northern subdivisions. Facilities in Waikanae Nth should be located at southern end of development so that they serve existing Waikanae as well as new suburbs

• QE Park - provide artificial turf for soccer • Noted that when the Paekakariki tennis courts are taken over by KCDC there is

potential for it to become a dual-purpose reserve, providing netball as well as tennis courts

• Not enough sports fields in the District are lit for rugby or soccer • In order to manage the demand placed on specific fields, there is a need to

identify fields for training and fields for games. • Soccer fields at Jim Cook Park are threatened by new stopbank development.

Possible new sites are vacant land on southern bank and under the pylons nearby • Once the Western Link route has been finalised there may be opportunities to

develop sports fields on disused land currently designated for the WLR. • Identify places for freedom camping Additional community play grounds requested: • No unmet needs identified


Additional bike facilities requested: • Mountain bike park – there are currently talks with DoC about an area on

Whareroa Farm • Provide a pump track / skills track in a reserve in each community across the

District. It should have an undulating surface, where young people in particular, can learn cycling skills. Trial this at Waikanae Park.

• Provide a dedicated, sealed track in QE Park for cyclists doing time trials, which would be safer than using main roads.

• Cycle parking facilities needed at all Council owned open space. People who want to ride their bikes often get there to find no safe/convenient place to lock their bikes. Designed for security and easy use.

Additional CWB routes requested: • Secure access to north end of Mataihuka walkway (including across private land

from Panorama Drive) • Explore opportunities with NZTA for a CWB along Transmission Gully route. • The walkway from Rimu Road to the far end of the airport seems to peter out after

Milne Drive into a series of private fields with fences. It’s impossible to use with a bike (this is an informal track across airport land and could be formalised as part of the airport runway extension)

• Provide a walkway from Otaki River to Aotaki Street (or somewhere similar to link the river to the township)

• Connection needed between Otaki River and Rahui Road to the east (upstream) of Crystalls Bend

• Link from Eruni St (Waikanae) to CWB route to south. Council should buy vacant section to create this link.

• Explore opportunities for walking links through schools. These provide public access as well as informal school security by increasing scrutiny of activity in school grounds

• Beach/seawall should be promoted as a safe alternative to Marine Parade because traffic on the Parade can be dangerous, given how narrow it is

Other new recreation areas, or additional facilities in existing recreational areas requested: • Lack of a regional park at the northern end of the District • Identify appropriate open spaces across the District where evening events could

be held, and provide necessary facilities. Examples of appropriate parks include Otaihanga Domain, Waikanae Park, Kaitawa Reserve, QE Park, Southwards. It was noted that if the pool in Marine Gardens (Raumati) is removed, then events could be held there.

• More bridle and grazing areas requested in existing reserves. One location requested was a horse float park at the end of Greenaway Road, either in the KCDC reserve or next to it. It was noted that an area has now been identified for bridle and grazing purposes in QE Park.

• Water-based recreation – provide a pier at Waikanae for fishing, jumping and other social swimming activities

• Water-based recreation – enhance the boat club to attract events, such as regattas, to the District

• Botanical Gardens requested. • Provide work-out stations along popular biking/running/walking routes (e.g. the

Waikanae water front path) and beside popular children’s playgrounds similar to the facilities at Noosa (Australia), Wellington City, Hamilton, Napier


• Blow karting – provide a permanent location for competitions. Need a site that is flat, windy and large. Waikanae Beach and Paraparaumu Airport are good locations.

• Council should keep the old tip at Otaihanga for open space purposes • In an existing or new park provide facilities for children to learn while playing, such

as tadpole pond, wetlands, harakeke, rangoa planting. Possibly co-located with an adventure play ground

• Provide public transport to all recreation facilities and cycle stands • More BMX and skate parks required for young people. It was noted that the site

of the BMX track at Te Atiawa is only just big enough but there is no remove for supporting facilities such as a club house or toilet

• Provide dedicated dog areas that are fenced. No locations suggested. It was noted that the Council is currently addressing this.

• Provide a reserve, or part of a reserve, for a “food forest” with public access through it

Provide sky diving facilities at Paraparaumu Airport. Improvements to recreation areas / routes requested: • Plan layout of recreation areas strategically to maximise utility for multiple

activities on a single site. Examples: Haruatai Park (Otaki) needs reconfiguration to make better use of available space. Arts Society building in Matai Road should have gone into corner of reserve to make better use of remaining space

• Raumati swimming pool needs an upgrade if it is to be retained. • Waikanae netball courts (beside Memorial Hall) – they are derelict and need

resurfacing or new courts provided in another reserve. • Waikanae Park – improve changing rooms • Weka Park – improve changing facilities • Lack of shelters for spectators and walkers in many reserves across the District.

A request for shelters in QE Park was specifically noted • Te Atiawa – resurfacing of hard-surfaced routes required. • Toilet facilities at all Otaki open spaces need improvement/provision. Council

could consider use of composting toilets at more remote locations to reduce costs. • More park benches on longer streets, to recognise high proportion of elderly

residents and encourage more people to walk. • Provide high-quality surfaces on cycle trails • Shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists need to be wide. Many paths are

currently narrower than is desirable. • Disability-grade tracks on popular routes. Should include picnic tables etc. of a

design that wheelchair users can use. Other suggestions • Suggest the Council works with schools to provide more shared-use facilities

(courts, fields, gyms), rather than duplicating by building new public facilities. Good examples of shared facilities include gyms at Kapiti and Paraparaumu colleges. However it was noted that school facilities are generally suitable for touch rugby and netball but too small for rugby, soccer and cricket.

• Otaki is poorly served with recreational links. High priority should be given to CWB routes in this area (especially N-S link through DOC land south of Otaki Health Camp School)

• Identify appropriate location(s) in the district for motocross / trail bikes / 4WD vehicles, to provide for them, while reducing damage or nuisance from their use in inappropriate areas. Some people suggested QE Park for motocross but this was not widely endorsed. Informal 4WD access to tracks in Maungakotukutuku Valley


was noted as particularly problematic. Designate a place for them to make their messes and keep them out of the rest.

• Establish permanent sign boards for promoting events on public open spaces. Currently such signs are put up in ad-hoc manner and often look messy. Permanent boards could have a mural on them so they are public art while not in use.

• Give priority to CWB routes along rivers and streams. • Ideally, facilities should be local rather than centralised as much as possible. For

example, people would like 3 existing swimming pools retained in addition to new aquatic centre (it was noted the Council would be unlikely to be able to afford to keep Raumati as well as providing the new centre)

• Public information about recreation opportunities: better promotion needed. Information needed at railway station. Regularly update website. Update Footloose in Kapiti booklet. Better signage along popular routes / to popular destinations (e.g. Waikanae River)

• The northern end of QE Park is generally poorly provided with facilities. The north end should be regarded as of equal importance to the southern (a greater population lives adjacent to it). Particularly lacking are toilets and car parks.


Appendix 3 – Community Workshop Maps

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Assessment of Open Space Provision for Landscape Introduction In thinking about the landscapes of the Kapiti Coast and the significance of ‘open space management’ we have been very influenced by the strategic planning the council has already undertaken. A critical theme (and key driver) running through all of KCDC’s strategies is the need to build ‘sustainability and resilience’ into ongoing development and land management. This theme brings into focus the fundamental tension in resource management; a need to respect the intrinsic values of natural resources on the one hand and to provide for human needs and activities on the other. The management of this tension to achieve ongoing ‘sustainability and resilience’ requires an understanding of the relationship between people and their environment. Sustaining the values and resilience of the ‘built environment’ requires that its relationship with the surrounding ‘un- built’ environment is acknowledged, and protected. When thought about in this way open space becomes the space that contains and sustains the built environment (rather than space that is set aside ‘within’ the built environment for particular purposes and activities.) Open space is then recognised as essential to sustaining the character, quality, and resilience of the built environment. A review of the council’s ‘Choosing Futures’ strategies suggests that there are three strategic objectives for the long term management of the districts landscape and environment: • To contain development and to ensure that any new development is in character with

what the community currently values in their district. • To ensure that the communities of the district are well provided with publicly

accessible open space. • To protect landscape, ecological and heritage values. With these objectives in mind (and having regard to the definition of ‘open space’ provided) we have identified areas with ‘open space values’ on maps and then integrated these areas into what we have called an ‘open space framework’. The values captured within the framework include: • Ecological values essential to sustaining existing ecosystems and biodiversity as well

as areas essential to sustaining the resilience of the landscape as a whole. • Cultural values including those primarily managed for cultural activities and the

protection of associative values (values attaching to areas and features important to the community’s sense of shared history and identity.) This framework includes areas important for recreation (such areas may also serve ecological purposes.)

• Landscape values contributing to coherence and amenity. Associated with both ecological and cultural values are ‘aesthetic’ values or values additional to the purely functional; people appreciate the quality and beauty of the environments within which they live and work. Incorporating critical landform and vegetation patterns within the open space framework is essential if the landscape’s broader character and quality is to be protected and the unique identities of places contained within this framework are to be recognised and provided for.

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A well integrated open space framework will provide for the objectives the council’s existing strategies define. A strategic approach to the management of this framework will be essential however if the critical relationships between the built and un-built environments are to be sustained. A central feature of such an approach must be the careful integration of public and private interests in ongoing decision making to avoid fragmentation and an ongoing loss of cohesion in the coast’s landscapes.

Principles for Identifying critical landscapes to be contained within the open space framework Principles for the management of landscapes can be derived from the provisions of the Resource Management Act (the Act.) Most of the matters set out in sections 6 and 7 of the Act have relevance when considering the quality and character of our landscapes. For the purpose of this discussion a diagram is appended. This shows the matters set out in the Act as a series of ‘layers’. To enable appropriate ‘Landscape Management’ the critical attributes of the district’s resources to which landscape values attach must first be recognised. In highly modified landscapes little of the original ‘indigenous’ character may remain. Functional patterns of land use may be interspersed with aggregations of built structures, with scattered plantings of trees and shrubs for shelter and amenity. By contrast, land held for conservation purposes may be relatively pristine with in tact indigenous forest and few, if any, tracks and structures. The Kapiti Coast has a diverse mix of landscapes, dominantly indigenous inland where the protective cover of vegetation has been retained to protect soils and water values on steep land, and highly modified landscapes on the coastal plane. On the coastal plane remnants of the indigenous character are largely restricted to water ways, wetland areas prone to flooding, and the coastal edge (associated with which are estuaries and dune lakes.) There are also a few un-modified and distinctive landform features, as well as scattered groups of indigenous trees (notably totara.) The appended diagram (Landscape Management: Aligning Interests to Sustain Relationships) is organised with the more ‘pristine’, ‘indigenous’ and tangible attributes of the landscape at the bottom and the more nebulous at the top. The upper layers can be thought of as the cumulative expression of those below. The Act defines both ‘environment’ and ‘amenity’ as summary expressions of particular resource attributes. Where critical attributes come together as valued visual landscapes, or as places that afford valued experiences, then care needs to be taken in their use and management. These are landscapes that contribute to the unique character and quality of the district and need to be managed as part of the open space framework. The Act provides for the recognition of features and landscapes that are outstanding and require special protection. With the above in mind, and taking into account the council’s ‘futures’ strategies, the following principles were developed. Landscape character and environmental quality The special and unique character of the Kapiti Coast District must be identified and managed in a manner that protects indigenous biodiversity and supporting ecological

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processes. The open space framework will include areas where this special character is particularly prominent and where the impacts of built structures need to be constrained. The most distinctive areas and features include the Tararua Ranges and foothills, waterways and wetlands, the coastal edge with its associated dunes and lakes, old river terraces and isolated inland dunes and prominent indigenous forest remnants across farmed river terraces. Areas with prominent natural character and minor cultural intrusion provide relief, visual and emotional, from the more intensively developed and strongly structured landscapes of farmed and built environments. The more natural and wild areas within the district are critical to the quality of the environment people see and experience on a day to day basis. Landscape Coherence The human occupation and development of landscapes fragments them. Although individuals, tangata whenua, small communities, and institutions such as schools and councils may manage land to sustain its internal coherence and integrity there are difficult challenges in ensuring that there is a broader coherence across the wider landscape. Establishing an open space framework within which there is a high degree of continuity in use and management enables a coherence to be sustained across the wider landscape; fragmentation is contained within a wider framework of integration. Coherence aligns with ecological resilience. There is a functional requirement to protect ecological systems and processes to support not only indigenous habitats but also productive and cultural processes. Healthy and vibrant natural systems are reflected in the landscape as patterns of connectedness and coherence. Individual allotments derive their viability and resilience from the wider ecological frameworks and the quality of life for landowners and residents derives from landscapes beyond their boundaries of ownership. We share a ‘commons’ that we ignore at our peril. Heritage Heritage values are important in highlighting a sense of shared history and belonging. Reflections of heritage across our landscapes can be informative, teaching us about the nature of evolving relationships with land and resources and providing explanations for a cultures values and creative expressions. Recognising and respecting heritage values in land management acknowledges a cultures rightful place in the land. As a source of shared values and meanings heritage resources are best incorporated, as far as is possible, within the open space framework. Such resources can then be managed in a coherent manner; their relationships can be sustained by protecting their historic context and important historic linkages along pathways and across waterways, lakes, and wetlands. Amenity Visual amenity is clearly important to people’s appreciation of pleasantness and aesthetic coherence. Visual amenity is important at all scales, in the immediate living environment as well as in the wider landscape. Heritage values contribute to the amenity people enjoy as do opportunities to recreate in safe and attractive places. The recognition of amenity values in all environments is important. Much of the amenity people enjoy derives from shared spaces and this is the primary reason for councils

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acquiring open space and enabling easy access to it. Visual amenity is an essential dimension of the recreation experiences possible on public open space and along access ways. Visual amenity is also an important consideration in road design and subdivision layout. Councils play a vital role in promoting and enabling high quality amenity. The development of an open space framework provides the council with the opportunity to recognise and enhance amenity values in a more coherent and inclusive way across the whole district. Such a framework can provide cues to the design and integration of new subdivisions and infrastructure developments. Containment and Community identity A bold open space framework can define community edges, contain development, and provide a sense of identity. Taller vegetation, steeply rising ground such as along escarpments, prominent landforms such as dunes, and the edges of waterways and wetlands create natural boundaries and edges. An open space framework can break development up into contained ‘enclaves’, each enclave with its own special identity and unique character. Such enclaves are already evolving on the Kapiti Coast; there are distinctive coastal communities, mature enclaves of residential development immediately inland of SH 1, more recent life style communities with larger allotments and a dominance of woody vegetation, and very recent foothills subdivisions that are strongly contained within valleys along the foothills. Some ‘character areas’ have already been identified in the council’s planning documents. Access ‘Green Infrastructure’ is commonly used to describe what we have called an open space framework. Both bring together a functional connectedness that provides for both ecological and cultural corridors across the landscape. ‘Hard infrastructure’ can be softened with vegetation that enhances the quality of the travel experience, and walkways/ cycle-ways integrated into these corridors. Residential areas can be buffered, and intensively used areas within the open space framework can be made easily accessible. Well designed and managed open space frameworks incorporate native and exotic species appropriate to the particular section of the framework and reflect the natural patterns and ecologies of adjacent areas. Movement through the framework then affords a diversity and richness in experience as the various patterns of vegetation and landform are traversed. In more traditional infrastructure development roading corridors have tended to impose on and dominate the landscape, partially softened by amenity plantings that have an internal focus, plantings that have no relationship with local biodiversity or surrounding amenity plantings. Hard infrastructure can be poorly integrated and have very adverse effects on surrounding communities. When well designed however it is possible to off set some of the adverse effects of severance with planting for ecological and cultural enhancement as well as better access to public open space. Methodology used to identify critical landscapes and their management on the Kapiti Coast For the purpose of our assessment (and given the definition of open space adopted) we accepted that existing publicly owned open space must all be incorporated into the proposed open space framework. We also accepted that existing and proposed walkways and cycle-ways should be similarly incorporated as far as possible. Taken as a

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whole the existing open space covers a substantial area, although not all of it is easily accessible and there are substantial gaps across the coastal plane. The objective of our assessment was therefore to identify areas to be incorporated into the existing patterns of open space in accordance with the principles set out above. Our key objectives were to improve connectedness and cohesion for ecological and landscape purposes, and associated with this, enable the provision of recreational opportunities that are well integrated into attractive settings with well defined access. We chose to ignore land ownership. It was agreed that an objective of public ownership would seriously constrain us in satisfying the principles and that the long term issue for open space management, biodiversity management, and landscape resilience was land management rather than land ownership. In defining our proposed open space framework we were constrained by time and so unable to undertake detailed field assessments. It is important to note that the assessment and mapping undertaken by Linda Kerkmeester and Clive Anstey was carried out independent of the ecological assessment undertaken by Isobel Gabites. The landscape assessment captured ecological corridors, waterways, and wetlands to the extent that these were significant in terms of the principles we defined. Although we recognised the open space values of many additional areas we were not able to justify their incorporation on landscape grounds alone. The landscape and ecological frameworks separately defined are therefore not totally in alignment; there are areas outside of the landscape framework that are recognised as having very significant ecological values. We are therefore of the view that there is a case for their incorporation into the combined landscape and ecological framework we defined. In broad terms our approach was: • Prepare a trace at 1:25,000 with all existing open space. Include sufficient contour

information to highlight landform. • Obtain prints- further traces and white prints. • With the use of 1:25,000 maps with contour intervals shaded, identify terraces,

dunes and slopes 15- 250, and over 250. • Undertake field work with aerial photographs to verify significant landforms and

vegetation. Also identify views from key roads and other access ways. • Confirm significant boundaries and edges, paying particular attention to the coast

and river terraces, especially where natural character remains high. • With Aerial photographs and Google Earth identify and refine boundaries of the

open space framework identified from field visits. • Prepare white prints showing the boundary of the open space framework and

differentiate land in public ownership from land in private ownership. • Prepare white prints showing the ‘landscape’ open space framework in relation to the

‘ecological’ open space framework. There was insufficient time to adequately explore the relationship of heritage to the open space framework, particularly in the Otaki area, and further field work is needed to look at the landscape and visual values along the foothills and river terraces. There are a number of visually significant foothills features in the 15- 25o slope category. Before embarking on any refinement however there is a need to check the conceptual approach with communities and discuss land management implications with private landowners.

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Land Management Managing landscapes to sustain their character and quality requires the integrated management of natural and cultural resources. The landscape we see and experience is a summary expression of the way in which resources are managed, both discretely and in relation one to another. Public agencies tend to manage land for discrete purposes whereas private landowners, particularly farmers and horticulturalists, manage their properties for multiple objectives. Each community contained within an open space framework will have specific needs and expectations. The challenge for the council’s managers is to clarify the needs and expectations of communities and landowners, align their respective interests, and ensure that relationships are sustained. A range of management options are possible and these are explored elsewhere in this report. Priorities for new open space provisions From a landscape perspective the priorities are: 1. The recognition of the important contribution open space across private land

contributes to the overall character and coherence of the Kapiti Coast Landscape. There must be ‘buy in’ to the principles outlined for both landscape and ecological values before any active ‘implementation’ is pursued.

2. The protection and enhancement of the natural character remaining in the coastal

environment, including the dune landscape, dune lakes, and wet areas. Associated with this initiative is the need to enhance access, either by land acquisition or negotiated easements. Public access needs to respect sensitive habitats and the privacy of landowners. Any planting must be responsive to the existing character and ecology.

3. The protection and enhancement of the natural character associated with water ways

and river terraces, inland dune systems and wetlands. Protection and restoration guidelines are needed. GWRC has prepared plant lists for the river corridors and prepared a number of useful generic publications on restoration. There would appear to be sufficient information and guidance available but this is not always directed towards specific habitats and places.

4. A botanic garden has been requested by a number of residents. One option would

be to integrate a ‘botanic garden’ into a river corridor in such a way as to capture a range of natural habitats; riparian, wetland, and terraces. Species would include both indigenous and exotic, and access would traverse a diversity of habitats and plantings. While fulfilling the usual purposes of a botanic garden the development would be integrated into an existing pattern of infrastructure and provide visitors with examples of the natural habitats of the area. There would be opportunities to promote the benefits of wild life corridors and the links from the coast to the Tararuas. A suitable area would be along the southern side of the Waikanae River Corridor and would include the terrace and remnant dunes immediately west of SH1. Some land would need to be acquired by the council.

5. The council’s current open space plans identify a number of existing and proposed

walkways and cycle-ways. Many of those proposed are on private land. Securing

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this access is critical if the longer term benefits of the council’s broader initiatives in relation to open space management are to provide the intended benefits. The treatment of open space associated with such access, particularly planting, will assist in enhancing the sense of coherence and connectedness across the district.

6. Residential development in the foothills is relatively recent. Much of this is

encroaching onto steeper slopes and some larger structures are assuming a visual prominence that detracts from the value of the wider open space framework. Further encroachment needs to be carefully controlled on prominent escarpments and spurs. Although structures need not be excluded their scale and density needs to be carefully managed.

7. The proposed open space framework is designed to contain enclaves of

development while affording access to the wider open space framework. The design and management of open space at the scale of local communities significantly influences local amenity values for residents. The Kapiti Coast is blessed with considerable diversity in the character and quality of its residential areas. This needs recognition and protection if future development is to be in sympathy with what already exists in each particular location. A ‘place based’ approach to open space design and management would be desirable. Engagement with communities to help define the values of importance in particular places would assist council in giving direction to ongoing development.

8. SH 1 and a number of secondary roads afford spectacular views and traverse a

diversity of landscapes. Some character roads have already been identified by the council. For much of SH1, development is set back from the road with substantial buffers of vegetation. Movement along the highway provides variable degrees of ‘enclosure’ interspersed with expansive views out to the coast, across river terraces and into the foothills, and up onto the Tararua Ranges. Remnants of indigenous forest along road sides add to this diversity. Without a conscious awareness of these existing values encroachment will gradually homogenise the experience and block views. In its planning provisions and in granting future resource consents the council needs to be mindful of these values.

While planning provisions can go some way to protecting open space by controlling its use and management, the sensitive development of valued landscapes and a respect for indigenous habitats and species is difficult to prescribe and direct. ‘Appropriate’ development is site responsive and not simply an imposition of cultural needs. Detailed site information is often not available and good design and integration cannot be achieved without this. There is a need for high quality and accessible information on the values of the proposed open space framework. Associated with this it would be helpful for Council to develop design guidelines specifically for open space. Such guidelines could be illustrated with examples of existing, well designed, development on the Kapiti Coast.

Ecological Open Space 22-01-10 1

Assessment of Open Space Provisions for Ecological Needs

OVERVIEW

Kapiti District encompasses an astonishing geomorphological diversity, some of which is naturally dynamic, such as the dunelands spasmodically accumulated over 6,000 years or floodplains formed by rivers flowing hard and fast from mountainous catchments; there are areas which have been greatly influenced by tectonic events and coastal processes, such as the Hemi Matenga foothills or the string of wetlands and peatlands adjacent to SH1; and inland areas which have been relatively stable over a very long period.

The indigenous land cover of the lowlands was mostly lost during the last 160 years. Sawmilling to around 400 metres modified forest of the western hill country, Otaki Gorge and Reikorangi Basin, some of which was subsequently cleared for pasture, and subsequent to that phase was a plantation-based reforestation, especially in the Reikorangi basin, Mangaone catchment and westernmost foothills.

While indigenous cover may have been greatly depleted in the lowlands, in many places a strong sense of pattern and landform remains which can be enhanced and nurtured. Although greatly fragmented, a cross-section from mountains to sea encompasses a range of representative indigenous environments which also provide a seasonal food resource corridor for wildlife.

It is important to acknowledge that much of the connectivity of ecosystems occurs (or occurred) parallel to the coast, where long strings of wetlands were trapped between the sandstones of the hills and the mobile dunes, and where the parallel rows of dunes were themselves separated by sand flats and wetlands. Maintaining both warp and weft of connectivity most accurately reflects the underlying processes that have formed this District. It is these natural patterns that would form the basis of an open space system for the Kapiti District.

In a changing landscape even the smallest fragment of indigenous ecosystem is of value. In time it may become a nucleus, a stepping stone or simply a memorial to lost ecologies, but by protecting it now there will be options for the natural environment in the future. They must not be further diminished.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING ECOLOGICAL OPEN SPACE Habitat resilience Resilience of fragmented indigenous habitat is improved where there is a range of successional stages represented within a District. If seed and spore sources are within vector range (i.e. bird or wind-borne) this increases greatly the potential for sites damaged by fire or storm etc to recover in a naturalistic way.

Resilience of specific sites is also improved when they are buffered against specific threats, such as fire, weed invasion, human disturbance, access for predators and browsers. In some instances this may require land (for planting), infrastructure (such as fencing or water level controls) or human effort (such as pest control).

The duneland areas are particularly vulnerable due to the isolation of fragments and their small size. Early stages of dune succession in particular, have been undervalued and underprotected in the past. We can easily overlook the young age of the near-coastal dunes and undervalue sites such as the kahikatea swamp forest


at Ngarara, the kanuka stands at Pekapeka1 or the mature trees at Reknown Road2, Raumati South which are all probably ‘primary’ forest remnants.

The Open Space Strategy recognises the benefits of:

• Encouraging restoration and regeneration of successional stages of dry dune habitat, especially forest stages, which are critically scarce in the District.

• Ensuring successional stages of swamp vegetation are protected, restored and regenerated, and that conversion of existing swamp to open water is restricted.

• Enabling natural processes such as flooding, dune erosion and replenishment, and succession of vegetation associations to proceed with the least practicable hindrance.

• Lessening the distances between indigenous vegetation sites by identifying opportunities to enhance or revegetate intermediate locations or create corridor linkages.

Climate change Predictions of increased storminess, changes to frost patterns and mean annual temperatures, may result in natural vegetation associations changing, and greater ponding of water in low lying areas.

The rehabilitation of previously drained swamps in low lying areas may increase the ground water capacity and mitigate flooding in more valuable areas.

There are natural boundaries between ecodomains [refer Fig. 1] where changes in plant species abundances may be most noticeable, especially if dominant species die out without replacement species becoming available. Concentrating connectivity and protection efforts in these areas may increase resilience of vegetation associations to change.

Erosion is likely to increase on steep slopes that are unprotected, or temporarily unprotected by dense vegetation cover.

The Open Space Strategy recognises the threats of climate change by:

• Identifying low lying swampy or drained swamp areas suitable for long term rehabilitation

• Providing one tool to identify and protect erosion-prone hill slopes

• Prioritising connectivity and protection of natural habitats across distinct environmental boundaries

Fire hazards The dry duneland vegetation, in particular the early succession kanuka and manuka stands within suburban contexts, are particularly vulnerable to fire. Risk would be lessened if succession were fast-tracked by human planting interventions, using broadleaved species expected to grow in these habitats, either within stands or buffering stands. In foredune shrublands the risks will always remain high, and other protection strategies would be required.

The open Space Strategy addresses this threat by:

• Prioritising human interventions in at-risk dry dune vegetation remnants which are already highly modified or species-poor.

1 Sites along Paetawa Rd both north and south of Pekapeka Road intersection 2 Probably 27 Reknown Rd but requires checking


Interconnectedness of wetland Kapiti District has a distinctive duneland-based mosaic of swamps, ponds and meandering waterways. The majority of swamps were drained during pastoral development in the late 1800s, following a brief period of flax milling, and it is only in recent years that some of these former swamps have been either rehabilitated or converted into open water wetlands. There is a growing perception that such areas may be used as stormwater collection sites and there is a concern that this may slowly create sites of ground water contamination if not carefully managed and maintained for this specific purpose. The swamps that have not been drained have deep peat substrates which act as a sponge during flood events and the wetter areas host a number of threatened species such as bittern, long-finned eel and mudfish. The successional phases of swamp vegetation ranges through raupo rushland to sedgeland, to woody shrubland, to wetland forest of pukatea, kahikatea, swamp maire and cabbage tree. Each of these phases provides significant seasonal food sources for birds such as tui, bellbird, kereru so a range of successional stages is ideal from an ecosystem perspective. The Open Space Strategy can assist by:

• identifying low-lying drained ex-swampland which may be returned to swamp in the future as the opportunity arises. Priority would be areas adjacent to streams, so that they can function as floodwater retention areas and buffers for stream water quality.

Wildlife habitat Because of its diverse nature the District hosts indigenous seabirds, shorebirds (including migratory species), forest and shrubland bird species (including migratory species), waterfowl and birds of prey. Protection of bird habitat through the Open Spaces Strategy will prioritise indigenous species over exotic, and threatened or keystone indigenous species above all else. Kapiti Island provides a reservoir of threatened and keystone species which should benefit the mainland in the long term. Provision of safe breeding territory and adequate seasonal food resources (and, critically, the combination of the two in spring) is a primary consideration, and one which the Open Space Strategy seeks to address. Whereas gardens, particularly in Waikanae, provide food for tui and kereru, they do not provide safe breeding territory. In October 2009 the Department of Conservation announced Project Kaka, a 10 year pest control operation concentrated on a 22,000 ha block of Tararua Forest Park, straddling both Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa Districts (refer Fig. 2). This project is expected to increase bird populations, and their food sources, which in turn will benefit non-Crown wildlife habitats through the District. This Council’s Open Space Strategy can complement the conservation efforts focussed in the hills behind Waikanae and Te Horo. Conflicts can arise between human settlement patterns and recreational pursuits, and undisturbed wildlife breeding habitat or flight routes. An Open


Space Strategy may provide one of the tools for providing a separation between conflicting uses. Many species are opportunistic and take advantage of modified landscapes. Gulls for example will feed and roost on wet fields; kereru and tui will feed on flowering garden trees and fruits. Where open space of different kinds can support wildlife populations without conflict, these opportunities should be recognised and developed. Playing fields with a small portion left undrained, for example, may provide habitat for gulls, heron or kingfisher as well as humans. The Open Space Strategy seeks to enhance wildlife habitat by:

• Prioritising opportunities within the most effective broad corridors between mountains and coast, and to Kapiti Island, to protect, enhance and develop ecological linkages and habitats. The most effective “corridors” for wildlife which include both food sources and breeding habitat currently incorporate:

(A) Tararua Forest Park through to Nikau and Paraparaumu Scenic Reserves, through the Landfill area, to Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve. (B) Tararua Forest Park to Waikanae and Mangaone headwaters (Kaitawa Scenic Reserve) to Hemi Matenga Reserve, indigenous remnants through North Waikanae, Nga Manu, Ngarara wetlands and regenerating dunes, to the coastal Pharazyn Reserve water body and duneland. (C) Otaki Gorge to Te Horo plains (bush remnants and scattered totara woodlands) and the north side of the Otaki River bush remnants on old terrace scarps to Otaki rivermouth. This broad ‘corridor’ zone is fragmented but extensive areas of totara woodland offer potential for future consolidation. Future development of created wetlands in duneland lifestyle subdivisions may contribute to an extension of this corridor towards the coast, linking with (D). This zone has high connectivity with Project Kaka. (D) Te Horo hills to Te Hapua swamps – coast. The connection with the hill country is currently weak, but the interconnection of duneland wetland habitats is a strength. There is a paucity of dry dune habitat: future habitat creation would be a priority.

• Giving priority to the enhancement of the safe riparian habitat and water quality of the cluster of natural lakes and wetlands in the vicinity of Forest Lakes. These lakes provide relatively undisturbed breeding habitat for waterfowl and waders.

Native fisheries have been jeopardised in Kapiti District by introductions of exotic fish species, by recreational fishing pressures, by poor protection of spawning grounds, by contamination and sedimentation of fish habitat and by clearance of shading vegetation allowing water temperatures to surpass aquatic wildlife survival thresholds. Lakes in the District are suffering enrichment from adjacent landuses or catchment inputs. Targeted


management of open space for freshwater ecosystem protection purposes is required. The work of Care Groups and flood protection works is already proving fruitful along the Waikanae and Otaki rivers, and near the mouth of the Waitohu Stream.

• The Open Space Strategy encourages protection and management of the following key open waterways through identifying opportunities for riparian planting, spawning ground management, bird nesting and roosting habitat protection, pollution control measures, and discouragement of recreation in sensitive areas: Wainui Whareroa Tikotu Waikanae Waimeha Pekapeka Mangaone Otaki Waitohu Lake Waitawa

Species specific Note that this assessment is focussed on habitat and not on individual species. The information required to address species-specific requirements for open space planning is not available, other than presence/absence listings of threatened species (flora and fauna). To the extent possible, however, this exercise has taken into account known needs of key wildlife species, particularly their breeding requirements, and are referred to in the recommendations. Ecodomains An appreciation of how well the Open Space network represents native ecosystems can be gauged by comparing like environments through the District. We have applied a revised Ecodomain delineation to map environments. The LENZ mapping of environments for Kapiti is complex and has not (to my knowledge) been ground truthed, so the simpler version illustrated in Fig. 1, compiled in 1999 and revised by this author in 2001 and 2010 has been applied. Results of the coarse comparison of successional stages represented within each ecodomain are listed in Figures 4 to 9.

METHODOLOGY

Collection of data Data used for this project included the Ecosites GIS layer (Heritage Register), potential Ecosites GIS layer including sites removed from the Register in response to public feedback, additional sites (not yet mapped for GIS, mostly in the foothills and high country plus some extensions to registered sites which had not been identified) and lower ecological value sites representing natural (not induced or planted) succession on ‘new’ soils or woodlands (such


as the scattered trees across the Te Horo plains) which contribute to the overall processes of indigenous ecosystems. Coding of site stages Sites were coded crudely to convey their relative successional status. It is not always possible to distinguish between an early-to-mid successional stage of forest development (dominated by broadleaved species) and a greatly modified (logged) mature forest reduced to subcanopy species. The general categories used were:

• Woodland (scattered trees without subcanopy or closed canopy)

• Forest (containing mature canopy species)

• Bush (dominated by subcanopy broadleaved or early-to-mid successional species)

• Shrubland (dominated by early successional or colonising woody species such as manuka, tauhinu etc)

Within duneland areas a distinction was made between wetland and dryland vegetation types. Estuary was defined as a standalone ‘type’ although they necessarily comprise dune, mudflat, freshwater habitats. This exercise required the breaking apart of some GIS sites into sub-sites. The most difficult to re-map was the Nga Manu forest. Spatial analysis of terrestrial sites The lowland indigenous habitat is highly fragmented in Kapiti. Three types of fragmentation can be described:

1. Geographical fragmentation: isolation of relatively intact ‘islands’ of habitat, e.g. Nga Manu Sanctuary, Waikanae Estuary.

2. Structural fragmentation: remnants are modified to the extent that the original vegetation structure is lost. At its most extreme, individual plants or small groups of plants remain in an alien matrix. These fragments often retain value as a seed source or as stepping stones for wildlife, but may not be captured by the District Plan Heritage Register e.g. the totara across Te Horo plains, kahikatea stands in QEII Park.

3. Perforation fragmentation: openings inserted into an otherwise intact habitat which introduces edge effects into a previous ‘core’, e.g. housing and tennis courts within Waikanae’s kohekohe forest remnants; housing within early successional phases of dune vegetation occurring north of Waikanae.

Sustaining fragmented and modified remnants of terrestrial indigenous habitat and their associated wildlife is assisted by two fundamental factors:

1. reducing the gaps between indigenous seed/spore sources (increasing connectivity) will encourage resilience and diversity. This project has used a distance of 500 metres between sites as a benchmark for the gap analysis. This is a crude measurement (in real terms prevailing winds, steep topography etc will influence the effectiveness of seed and spore vectors). For some species this is a


generous distance (for example, it has taken until 2000 for bellbird to be regular visitors to the Ngarara swamps from their stronghold in Hemi Matenga, even though the site mapping of 500 metre site proximity and intervening gardens suggests they may have a direct route) and for other species such as the wide ranging kereru or wind borne fern spores 500 metres is insignificant. It is an indicative tool only. Figures 3 to 9 indicate ‘gaps’ and areas where it should be feasible and desirable to concentrate effort in prioritising Open Space as Ecological or creating new Ecological Open Space. This is also summarised on Fig. 10 and 11

2. providing or restoring ‘core’ habitat large enough for undisturbed breeding territory for keystone birds, where their preferred spring food sources flourish, will help to sustain their populations and, therefore, vegetation associations. Measuring a remnant ‘core’ requires the measurement of ‘edge effect’. Edge effect will vary between low stature shrubland and tall forest, and between leading edges and lee edges. No research into edge effects in Kapiti is known. In Wellington (which experiences stronger winds) studies have identified a range from 15 to 25 metres (for unbuffered forest), but based on local observations, it is approximated as 15 metres for bush and forest. Edge effects are not measurable for open shrubland-grassland or flaxland communities. However, these sites were included in the edge effect calculations, as in due course they should develop into forest remnants. The shape of a remnant comes into play, as a linear remnant may be all ‘edge’ but a round remnant of the same size may have a ‘core’. And is the ‘core’ large enough for the habitat to be sustainable? Studies into viability have recorded a range of ideal sizes depending on whether bird habitat or forest processes are being studied. For example, bellbirds (an important keystone species) require approximately 1 hectare of ‘core’ bush for nesting territory, but the population requires 20 hectares for the population to be sustainable in the long term. Norton (2000) suggest duneland podocarp remnants require just under 1 hectare but Bagnall (1979) thought that forest including tawa (which is sensitive to exposure) requires a ‘core’ of 9 hectares. 1 hectare is chosen as a minimum ‘core’ requirement for this review. The methodology is termed Patch Analysis. Fig. 12 indicates the number of sites with ‘no core’, and those with a ‘core’ less than 1 ha. These sites require detailed assessment for ways to increase their size, enforce protection, reduce threats and avoid perforation.

OUTCOMES Two parallel approaches to Ecological Open Space are called for: (i) habitat connectivity (including riparian protection) and (ii) expansion and management of small, isolated remnants.


Ecological Open Space Network (i) The combination of gap analysis and the broad biodiversity corridors recognised within the district is summarised in Fig 10 which indicate priority zones for ecological open space and limited guidance as to the primary objectives. Whereas there will be site-specific priorities outside this network, it represents the areas which will gain most benefit from a long term protection and enhancement strategy. A range of methodologies may be applied to sites within the priority zones including pest control, protection funding, inter-agency support of care groups, purchase, multi-landowner action, planting. Important issues to scope within these zones are limits on soil disturbance, limits on obstructions to bird flight paths, avoidance of invasive plants. Within this network of priority zones, further recommendations for the Open Space Strategy to address include:

• Identifying how to address the largest (and most urgent) ‘gaps’ (indicated by red circles on Fig. 11)

• Identifying sites in closest proximity and providing connection between them.

Ecological Open Space Sites (ii) The sites (excluding estuary or woodland) identified as ‘no or low core’ sites are mostly lowland sites, both wetland and dryland (refer Fig. 12). If we look (in Fig. 13) at the locations where ‘low/no core’ sites are within 500m of a site with a core (i.e. their pink or blue buffers touch), we can see there are some coreless sites that are relatively isolated, and there are coreless sites which, if enhanced and expanded, can create better connectivity between sites with cores. We can target these sites for future work (the red circles in Fig. 13 highlight these opportunities). Eighty percent of the sites have a ‘core’ but for half these sites it is less than or equal to 1 ha, which is the minimum size for sustainability. So, (combining those sites with the 20% that have no core) it appears that only 40% of all sites are potentially sustainable. 60% need our help. It is recommended that options for expansion and protection are reviewed for all ‘no or low core’ sites. These may, for example, include re-wetting of adjacent drained swamp; retirement of adequate wetland edges to support native vegetation and bird breeding territory; reversion of dry duneland between wetlands; planning constraints on developments immediately adjacent to sites; land purchase; constraints on public access to sensitive sites. Further recommendations for the Open Space Strategy include: (i) Develop appropriate rules and guidelines for the management of the sites which are ‘no or low core’ in the greatest isolation from other sites (as shown in Figure 13,


(ii) Review the sites required by wildlife for breeding that are jeopardised by inappropriate use or adjacent development by humans. In particular, conflicts arise at estuaries, stream mouths and river beds with nesting shorebirds. Other examples include wetlands large enough to host the shy bittern where public access should be restrained; small bush/forest remnants of marginal adequacy for bird breeding territories where public access should also be restrained; and most grazed stream banks where koura and spawning native fish are vulnerable. Bagnall, R.G., 1979. A Study of human impact on an urban forest remnant: Redwood Bush, Tawa, near Wellington, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 1979, Vol. 17:117-26 Norton, D. A., 2000. Sand plain forest fragmentation and residential development, Invercargill City, New Zealand. Nature Conservation 5: Chap 16:p157-65, ed by J.L.Craig, N.Mitchell and D.A.Saunders, Surrey Beatty and Sons, 2000.


Fig. 1 Ecodomains [Delineated by I Gabites for KCDC 1999, revised 2010]


Fig. 2. Project Kaka (Dept of Conservation, announced 2009).


Fig. 3 Sites shown with 500m buffer


Fig. 4: Sites shown with 500m buffer. Red circles indicate areas where new sites would give the greatest benefit for improved connectivity within ecodomain.




Fig. 6: Sites shown with 500m buffer.








Fig. 10


Fig. 11


Fig. 12


Fig 13: Sites shown with 500m buffer. Red circles indicate areas where new sites would give the greatest benefit for improved connectivity for both core and coreless sites (overlaps highlight areas of greatest benefit).

KCDC Open Space Strategy Review of Existing Documents To inform an Assessment of User Satisfaction based on consultation with stakeholder groups and Council staff

Open Space Document Summary i

Documents reviewed: • KCDC Strategic Land Acquisition Mapping Project • Development Management Strategy • KCDC Choosing Futures: Community Outcomes • Local Outcome Statements for each village/town • Kapiti Coast District Physical Recreation: Current Situation • Kapiti Coast Physical Activity Plan • KCDC Subdivision Best Practice Guide • Greater Wellington Regional Council Regional Parks Network Management

Plan • Parks and Recreation – Levels of Service Review • Submissions to LTCCP and Annual Plans • Environmental, Landscape and Recreation Values of Whareroa Farm, Open

Space Gateway Group, January 2005 Contents 1 OPEN SPACE ISSUES / MATTERS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL ................ 1

1.1 Strategic Land Acquisition Mapping Project (2001)...................................... 1 1.2 Development Management Strategy (2007)................................................. 1 1.3 Kapiti Coast Choosing Futures: Community Outcomes (2009, draft) District-

wide provisions............................................................................................. 3 1.4 KCDC Subdivision Design Guide (2008) ...................................................... 7 1.5 Parks and Recreation – Levels of Service Review (2005)............................ 8 1.6 Kapiti Coast District Physical Recreation: Current Situation (2006) ............. 8 1.7 Kapiti Coast Physical Activity Plan (2007) .................................................... 9 1.8 GWRC Regional Parks Network Management Plan (2003) ......................... 9 1.9 LTCCP and Annual Plan submissions........................................................ 10

2 OPEN SPACE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL ..................................................... 12 2.1 Otaki ........................................................................................................... 12 2.2 Te Horo....................................................................................................... 14 2.3 Waikanae.................................................................................................... 14 2.4 Otaihanga ................................................................................................... 15 2.5 Reikorangi................................................................................................... 16 2.6 Paraparaumu.............................................................................................. 16 2.7 Raumati ...................................................................................................... 18 2.8 Paekakariki ................................................................................................. 20

Open Space Document Summary 1

1 OPEN SPACE ISSUES / MATTERS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL

1.1 Strategic Land Acquisition Mapping Project (2001) This is Leon and Linda’s report which goes with the CWB map. It contains a vision for the KCD open space network: A system of public open spaces of representative landscape types, linked by a network of pathways, closely associated with natural landforms and waterways, with routes separated from the road system wherever possible. This document is attached to the Draft Kapiti Coast Reserves Acquisition Paper, which is the discussion paper that led to the actual Strategy.

1.2 Development Management Strategy (2007) The Development Management Strategy (DMS) sets out the Council’s long-term strategic response to the Community Outcomes. The purpose of the DMS is to set a framework for managing the location and intensity of growth, improvements to the quality of the built environment and the development management processes that Council will use over time. Expectations for the District’s public open space system are set out in section 2.7. The provision of public open space is guided by Policy 2.7(a). Policy 2.7 (a) Development will be managed in a way that it supports, extends and is integrated with the system or network of public open space within the District. Kapiti Coast District Council will:

• Advocate for a regional park in the northern end of the District which is linked to the coast and the Otaki River corridor;

• Continue to support enhancement of Queen Elizabeth Park; • Support the appropriate restoration and enhancement of Whareroa Farm by

the Department of Conservation and Greater Wellington Regional Council; • Be guided by its reserves acquisition policy in relation to coastal, ecological,

suburban park and neighbourhood reserve land; • Advocate with private landowners and where appropriate acquire land for

the cycleways, walkways and bridleways network within the framework of the Indicative Network;

• Pursue the following level of service: - Provision of suburban parks within 2 km radius or10 minute bike ride

for residential populations, unless a larger regional or local park is available;

- Local neighbourhood parks or playgrounds within 5 minutes walk for residential populations;

• Support the development and maintenance of areas of civic space or town squares within the District’s main centres;

• Manage the District’s roads so that they contribute to the sense of quality public open space, while maintaining their primary function.

Other policies in the DMS that are relevant to open space are listed below. Policy 2.1(a) The basic development form of the District will:


• be fundamentally shaped by the key landform elements of the District of dunes, inter-dune wetlands, rivers and streams, escarpment and coastal hills and remnant native forest and ecological sites;

• retain stream and river corridors, including stream and river mouths and estuaries as major features of any developed area;

• enable restoration of riparian vegetation to create corridors between the coast and the coastal hills;

• protect remaining coastal dunes within the existing urban areas; • retain and protect coastal dunes and wetlands within the wider rural areas; • protect the landscape values of the coastal hills and escarpment; • retain and protect remnant stands of native forest.

Policy 2.1(b) The landscapes within which the District settlements exist will be a major context for managing development and change. This framework of landscape incorporates:

• places and landforms that embody ancestors and whakapapa and are tapu for tangata whenua;

• considerations of natural beauty and character; • the concept of sustainable landscapes where biodiversity, renewable energy

and food production are essential elements. Policy 2.6(f) Subdivision development, including design of roads, will be managed in a way that maximises implementation of the Cycleways, Walkways and Bridleways Indicative Network. Policy 2.6(g) The roading network will be managed in a way that:

• supports and encourages development of pedestrian, cycling and bridleway routes…

Policy 2.9(a) Wahi tapu, ecological and cultural and heritage sites form a significant part of the broad District form and will continue to shape development decisions. This will be done through:

• on-going work with iwi and hapu to identify and record (where relevant) sites of significance to them;

• on-going work with residents interested in local history and ecology to record sites of significance;

• identification of significant sites for formal protection via the District Plan; • collaborative pre-consent processes focused on finding positive ways to

protect and manage sites. Population projections The DMS estimates a population increase of between 14,397 - 14,924 people by 2026, equating to an additional 7,534 households. These estimates are based on a medium projection scenario (page 26). The DMS also estimates that land currently zoned for residential purposes and land where residential zoning may occur will accommodate 7,180 house holds (page 42).


1.3 Kapiti Coast Choosing Futures: Community Outcomes (2009, draft) District-Wide Provisions

Kapiti Coast Choosing Futures: Community Outcomes (Community Outcomes) is one of three parts to the Council’s LTCCP. Community Outcomes sets out the community’s vision for the future. In 2004 the first Community Outcomes was adopted and is now in the process of being updated after community forums were held in 2008. The outcomes are grouped into seven themes. Those of relevance to open space are listed below. NOTE: the boxes below some outcomes are from the Council’s report: Kapiti Coast District Physical Recreation: Current Situation. Outcome 1: There are healthy natural systems which people can enjoy. 1.1 That key natural areas shape the fundamental form and quality of the

District’s settlements Kapiti Island is recognised as:

• the symbolic heart of the District for iwi and the wider community; • a national sanctuary for birds; • a source for the regeneration of native wildlife on the mainland;

and that this is supported by: • high quality conservation and restoration effort; • ensuring views of the Island from all parts of the District are protected.

The coast in its entirety is recognised:

• as being central to the local culture and lifestyle; • as a place that is valued for its natural and wild feel; • as being the marine edge, the front dunes and dune wetlands;

and that this is supported by retaining the wild natural character and the health of the coastal ecosystems as a first priority in any decisions. The coastal escarpment and coastal hills are recognised as a major and valued landscape feature of the District; and that this is supported by:

• encouraging landowners to support regeneration of native rather than exotic trees;

• avoiding building on the escarpment face and front face of coastal hills. That bird corridors exist from the coast to the hills with:

• native plant food sources along the river and stream corridors; • fingers and pockets of green extending out into the surrounding residential

and rural areas. That there are three regional public open space areas along the coast at:

• Queen Elizabeth Regional Park; • Waikanae Estuary; • in the vicinity of Te Horo Beach and Otaki Beach;

which are managed in a way that: > recognises they are important areas for recreation; > integrates that recreational use with the coastal and estuarine character

and value.


The Waikanae and Otaki Rivers (and their associated streams) are recognised as river corridors of especial importance to iwi and the wider community, and that this is supported by:

• ensuring use of their waters and development along their edges is consistent with maintaining their health and restoring habitat;

• restoration programmes. The District’s streams become major natural features in all settled areas. The District’s urban parks become major features of the District as places of beauty and enjoyment. The Maungakotukutuku Valley becomes a wilderness area. CURRENT SITUATION GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES Village developments are already occurring in some areas

Enhance the village through ‘village green’ developments that provide open space and recreation facilities at the heart of the community

Natural features being used as the basis for some recreation provision An emphasis on the restoration of key natural areas such as dunes, wetlands, and remnant forests

Continue to maximise use of natural features (ocean, mountains, rivers, lakes, wetlands, bush, dunes)

1.2 That Kapiti Coast becomes nationally famous for an extensive walkway, cycle

and bridleway system that includes the following features: • good access up into the Tararua Ranges; • a coastal walkway and cycleway from Paekakariki to Otaki and north; • relatively easy ‘middle height’ access along the coastal escarpment and

lower hills; • extensive linkages through built up areas to key natural features such as

the rivers and areas of bush; • good local linkages to schools and centres; • increased areas for dog walking.

CURRENT SITUATION GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES Walkway, cycle and bridleway strategy adopted and incorporated into current planning processes

Network of walkways, cycleways and bridleways already planned and significantly implemented

Considerable parts of system are unsealed, making use problematic for people with mobility–related disabilities

Provide more connected, safe pathways between places where people live, work and go to school with a view to meeting current needs and providing a legacy for future generations.

1.3 That the quality of the District’s streams and rivers are improved especially:

• improving Otaki River water quality and habitat, in accordance with the Iwi Management Plan for the river;

• revegetating Waikanae River corridor, and building healthier in-river, riparian edge and estuary habitats.

1.4 That the coast is managed:

• as a comprehensive resource and ecosystem;


• in a way that tries to keep the coastal edge as natural as possible; • in a way that recognises certain areas have been modified and key issues

are managing hazards and improving appearance and access; 1.5 That the District becomes known for best practice subdivision design that

includes trees, landforms, waterways, parks, walkways, cycleways and bridleways as features in developments.

CURRENT SITUATION GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES Commitment in place to development of quality subdivisions

Create adequate village green space within subdivision for community events and physical recreation

1.7 That vulnerable areas of native vegetation and wildlife are protected

including: • bird nesting areas, especially penguin nesting areas; • species endemic to the area; • areas of existing bush and wetlands on the coastal hills and coastal plain; • remaining dunes.

1.8 That key areas and habitats are revegetated and restored including:

• Kapiti Island; • the Paekakariki and Paraparaumu escarpments; • the decommissioned ponds at Waikanae; • Otaki and Waikanae river corridors.

1.9 That local parks and roads become a major feature in the ‘greening’ of the

District, with a mix of native, exotic and fruit trees. Outcome 2: Local character is retained within a cohesive District Community Outcomes relating to specific communities are contained in section 2. 2.1 That the role, nature and character of each of Kapiti Coast’s towns, villages, local

and special areas, is respected and retained, and shapes the future form and quality of the District.

That the nine ‘villages areas’ within the District – Raumati South, Raumati Beach, Waikanae Beach, Te Horo Beach, Otaki Beach, Peka Peka, Te Horo, Reikorangi and Otaihanga – are recognised as having strong connections to surrounding natural areas, and that they are supported by:

• ensuring that local characteristics and amenity are protected; • fitting improvements to local retail areas, facilities and coastal

protection to the character and natural feel of each area.

That Otaki Forks is recognised as a local and regional destination point for recreation and is properly managed to protect natural qualities and character.


CURRENT SITUATION GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES Township development processes currently occurring Greater Otaki project including the Pipi Trail is underway Waikanae is in a ‘greening’ process and puts emphasis on becoming a garden town’ Paraparaumu community design process in action for development of new Paraparaumu town centre including walking permeability through town centre Raumati Beach maintains its village atmosphere and easy access to the beach for tourists and locals Raumati South has developed low-rise housing on large sections to keep its beachside village character. Paekakariki’s proximity to the park is a draw card and resolution of issues around the link between the Hill road and SH1 are in process

Use development process to highlight opportunities for communities to come together around recreation and provide ‘village green’ types of recreation areas Consider issues for facility development based on forecast population increases in Waikanae North

2.2 That the level and quality of access within and between communities meets

the needs of all users, and includes: • all communities having safe interesting pedestrian links (with good

signage) that encourage use of local areas; • that there is easier and safer pedestrian and safer road access to the

town centres – especially Waikanae and Paraparaumu Centres; • that the District’s main east/west roads, especially Kapiti Road and the

road to Otaki Beach, are developed as beautiful ‘boulevards’. CURRENT SITUATION GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES Cycleways, walkways and bridleways in place between some communities

Continue implementation of CWB strategy including development of infrastructure as part of all new subdivision developments

Set up the urban infrastructure to provide for CWB pathways (at time of subdivision approvals, road construction & upgrades, path construction, signage)

Opportunity to include mapped linkages in next District Plan, especially those linking new subdivisions to other areas.

Current focus is on improving access for vehicles.

Promote accessibility by active transport – particularly between Paraparaumu and Waikanae - through maps, signage and community education

Outcome 4: The community makes wise use of local resources and people have the ability to act in a sustainable way on a day to day basis. 4.9 That the local resource available to people to harvest is enhanced, including

• having land for communal gardens; • protecting seafood and freshwater food resources; • planting heritage and other fruit trees and edible plants in public spaces.

Outcome 6: The District is a place that works for young people 6.1 That there are pleasant, interesting, safe and accessible public places where

young people feel welcome and can enjoy themselves (especially for girls), including:


• the Otaki, Waikanae and especially Paraparaumu town centres; • the two main beach destinations (Otaki and Paraparaumu); • a range of high quality active recreation facilities.

6.5 That there are playgrounds within easy walking distance for all residential

areas. 6.10 That there is a wide range of high quality active recreation facilities. Outcome 7: The District has a strong healthy and involved community 7.1 That the District’s main public places, including beaches, are safe, attractive

and accessible to everyone in the community, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

7.3 There are extensive linkages within the District in addition to State Highway 1,

including: • an extensive walkway, bridleway and cycleway system; • good quality footpaths which are safe for people to use, particularly older

people. 7.5 That the District has high quality civic and local centres where people choose

to go for general enjoyment as well as shopping. 7.8 That there is a comprehensive planned approach to recreation facilities /

programmes which provides for District wide as well as local services, including: • smart and efficient use of the existing recreation resource; • access to District-wide facilities including an indoor events centre, an

aquatic centre and performance venues; • improved access to and management of the District’s beaches; • more District wide fun attractions and events; • active recreation facilities, for example, motorsports, available for

community use, in a way that protects and respects areas valued by the community.

7.9 That older people have a high level of control and influence over those things

that ensure their access to services and enjoyment of life including: • improved appropriate access to local and district centres and to beach

areas; • where possible, having walkways and footpaths designed and made safe

for use by older people and people with physical disabilities.

1.4 KCDC Subdivision Design Guide (2008) This guide specifies “design elements” for urban open spaces. These include: • Locate open spaces where they are highly prominent and accessible within the

local area • Open spaces should be located within walking distance of all allotments…

Typically aim for no more than 400m of actual walking distance, but 200m wherever possible

• Provide open spaces based on what type of space would add the greatest value to the neighbourhood. In some instances, high quality ecological corridors or pedestrian linkages are more desirable than neighbourhood reserves if there are existing ones (or similar spaces that can offer the same services) close by…


• Parks should not be made of ‘left-over’ land. The location and design should be informed by the neighbourhood context and site analysis…

• Parks should be highly visible and be bounded by as many roads as possible – with dwellings fronting them – providing informal surveillance, making them safer

• Locate and design parks to take advantage of existing trees and features of interest (natural and cultural), adding identity to the neighbourhood.

• …connect with other open spaces to form a network • provide walking and cycle paths through an open space network, connecting with

adjacent streets… • avoid creating spaces, pedestrian linkages, or cycleways that are located

between the ‘backs’ of adjacent sites…

1.5 Parks and Recreation – Levels of Service Review (2005) Report to Community and Strategic Directions Committee in response to the LTCCP. Section 5.2 discusses access to open space with reference to proximity to facilities for residential households and describes recent trends in the acquisition of reserves through the development process: The accessibility of reserves is currently managed through the Reserve Acquisitions Strategy in conjunction with development activity throughout the district. Developers are required to make either a financial contribution to the Reserves Fund, or, as is increasingly the case, to develop a portion of the land according to the Council’s standards and to hand over a functional reserve… The Council then assumes responsibility for its ongoing management. Recent subdivision proposals have had a strong, community-oriented design, specific to the individual development. In these instances the developer has provided open space community assets, e.g. playing field, play ground, ‘contained’ within the development. These will be in the individual community’s ownership and the Council would have no responsibility for any ongoing maintenance or renewal. The Council may wish to consider the community impact of such proposals and whether, or how many, of these initiatives it may wish to see throughout the district. If it becomes a more frequent occurrence, it might result in an increasing number of potentially poorly maintained, dangerous facilities as local communities become less willing to carry out maintenance to keep the facilities in good condition… The Council may find there is some significant pressure to assume responsibility for the asset, incurring unanticipated renewal, upgrade and ongoing maintenance costs.

1.6 Kapiti Coast District Physical Recreation: Current Situation (2006)

Section 4.9, Implications for People and Organisations, lists “areas for action” for district providers (including KCDC) as including: • Manage suburban and rural development to maximise walking and cycling and

support the establishment ‘village green’ areas • Support developments of local play spaces and community-based recreation and

sporting facilities that foster a range of indoor and outdoor opportunities • Support initiatives that decrease actual and perceived danger to pedestrians • Implement the Cycleways, Walkways and Bridleways Strategy (2004)


1.7 Kapiti Coast Physical Activity Plan (2007) Contains the following Vision: The Kapiti Coast is a place where people of all backgrounds and abilities enjoy participating in a wide and exciting range of activities which contribute to their health, wellbeing and sense of connection to their community. Section 7.2 sets out Desired Outcomes which include: • Linked walkways, cycleways and bridleways • Beaches, rivers, parks, reserves, waterways and other natural areas used every

day by people for active transport and recreation. • The towns and small communities of the coast retain their individual ‘flavour’ and

each offers a unique blend of physical recreation opportunities • Kapiti remains a cluster of small communities which are easy to get around,

visually appealing and encourage active community pursuits • Open spaces, parks, reserves, beaches and rivers are clean, green and

accessible Section 7.8, Create Supportive Social and Physical Environments, includes the following action statements:

Use land adjacent to waterways as key active transport arteries Provide more connected, safe pathways between places where people live, work and go to school with a view to meeting current needs and providing a legacy for future generations Set up the urban infrastructure to provide for Cycle, Walking and Bridle pathways (at time of subdivision approvals, road construction & upgrades, path construction, signage) Review access ways including boardwalks, to improve accessibility to the beach Continue development of ‘front country’ wilderness experiences on Conservation Estate

Environments to promote active transport

Continue to maximise use of natural features (ocean, mountains, rivers, lakes, wetlands, bush, dunes) when planning recreation opportunities and associated promotion Maximise low gradient developments of cycle and walkways to replicate undulating dunes (maps are incorporated in the CWB Strategy) Work with developers in terms of green-fields and retro-fitted provision for facilities, open space, etc Use schools and tertiary training institutions as the focal point for development of recreational infrastructure Provide play spaces in areas where people congregate with children (around shops, cafes, sports fields etc)

Built environments

Provide flexible spaces where young people congregate which encourage physical activity (such as spaces in Waitangi Park in Wellington)

1.8 GWRC Regional Parks Network Management Plan (2003) The plan includes discussion of the significance of Queen Elizabeth Regional Park to the district and the region.


On page 19 the park’s unique values are identified as: sandy beaches, coastal dune systems, wetlands, rare native fish, World War II and Maori archaeological features, indigenous forest remnants, opportunities for picnicking, walking and cycling. Page 33: Queen Elizabeth Park contains the last relatively unmodified coastal dune systems on the Kapiti Coast. It is home to small patches of rare coastal forest of mahoe, kanuka, kaikomako and ngaio. There is also a remnant stand of native bush containing kahikatea forest whilst adjoining lands containing one of the few wetlands remaining in the region which in turn contains rare native plants. A number of native bird species are also found in the Park, and the rare native fish – giant kokopu – is present in one of the streams. Page 44: Queen Elizabeth Park is also rich in heritage. The area has been used extensively by Maori up to the present. There are many remains of Maori occupation from previous times including pa sites, midden sites, cultivation sites and urupa. The area was home to both Maori and pioneer coach routes along the coast. United States Marines had a camp site in the park during World War II. The Park also contains a tramway museum. Page 51: Queen Elizabeth Park is used by picnickers, campers (motor camp), walkers, horse riders, swimmers, surfers, anglers and sports events. Tram rides at MacKays Crossing. Regionally important for picnicking. Queen Elizabeth Park has approximately 300,000 visits per year. Other current uses: Model aircraft club, Farming/Grazing, Guided horse riding, Kennel club

1.9 LTCCP and Annual Plan submissions Submissions on the 2009 LTCCP relating to open space:

• ART Confederation, Te Waari Carkeek – requests areas in parks and reserves in each of the four wards that accommodate Rongoa Maori planting accessible to the whole community. Council response – modifications made to explore possibilities within existing budget.

• Department of Conservation – supports a riparian fund, rates remissions for land protected for natural or cultural conservation purposes and the completion of a biodiversity strategy.

• Kapiti Community Health Group – supports young people in their desire for high quality recreation facilities, in addition to the aquatic centre, to create a sense of belonging to the community.

• Ms J Svendsen – supports community planting and restoration projects. Supports continued land acquisition programme to create more native bush corridors for birds and walking and cycleway.

• ACC – ACC encourages KCDC to ensure there is safe management of recreational facilities and that community run and district-wide events are risk managed from a health and safety perspective.

• Greater Wellington Regional Council - encouraged to see the emphasis on the importance of parks and open spaces. Reference should be made to KCDC reserves being part of a regional open space network. Council response – modification to wording.

• Nature Coast Enterprise – KCDC should develop, fund and implement a Freedom Camping Policy prior to the Rugby World Cup. Council response – it is provided for in 2009/10 budget.

• Mr P Haar – the estimate of $100,000 to purchase strategic land is insufficient. Council response – wording clarified.


• Mr P Price – the costs seem to be mostly maintenance and suggest that sports development bodies should assist with costs. It also states that other sports, e.g. golf, seem to be able to find or raise funds themselves. Council response – wording clarified.

Submissions on the 2008/09 Annual Plan relating to open space:

• Sport Wellington Region / Sport Kapiti – ongoing investment into parks and reserves is essential to support community based activity and support emerging sports to develop pathways for members.

• Mrs G Thurley – suggests that Council should take a leadership role in reducing the prevalence of invasive plants from roadsides, green corridors and public areas.


2 OPEN SPACE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL The Council has produced seven Local Outcomes documents, covering Otaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu Town Centre, Paraparaumu Beach, Raumati South, Raumati Beach and Paekakariki. These Local Outcomes documents provide more detail to the district-wide outcomes that were established in the Community Outcomes document. A list of local outcomes relevant to open space for each area is listed below.

2.1 Otaki Local outcomes 2.1 Some priorities identified by Otaki children include:

• an adventure park • a slide into Haruatai Pool • a basketball court at the beach

6. Passenger Transport 6.1 That Greater Otaki has…an extensive network of cycleways and walkways. 7. Main Street and Otaki Railway 7.3 That the Railway area is developed in a way that…provides more trees, particularly native trees and plants 7.4 That the Otaki Main Street:

• is made more attractive with trees and planting (with Aotaki Street being a green pathway leading to the Otaki River)

• has more play facilities for children 8. Industrial Area 8.1 That the Riverbank Road industrial area becomes a major commercial / industrial development and employment area of district wide significance, and is a leader in its image and products produced. This includes… providing for links through the area to the river and developing a ‘user friendly environment with improved footpaths and cycling 10. The Coast 10.1 That the coast is protected for future generations 10.4 That the coast is accessible for a range of activities but avoids damage of

dunes, estuaries and shellfish areas by vehicles. 10.6 That the coast is valued as a kete kaimoana, food basket, and there is fresh

water for shellfish growth 10.7 That the Greater Otaki Freshwater Vision and Otaki River Iwi Management Plan

are taken account of and implemented. Submissions on the 2009 LTCCP relating to open space:

• Keep Otaki Beautiful – Requests that representatives from Council, Otaki Community Board and Keep Otaki Beautiful met to further establish the formal process whereby Council will assume full responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the Parematangi Reserve, and of Haruatai Park over the next three years. Council response – budget increased.


• Otaki Community Board – requests upgrades for Aotaki Street skateboard park including a public toilet, seating and shade, a playground for younger children, improved planting, artwork, extension of concrete lips. Council response – allocation made for public toilets.

• Otaki Cycling Environment and Access Network – there are no specific service standards relating to proximity of populations to open space and playgrounds and limited analysis of actual barriers to access. Some barriers are Otaki River Bank (South side), Otaki access to mountain bike trails at Mount Thompson.


• Otaki Community Board – requests additional funding for installing more seating, including some with shade, in playgrounds.

Otaki Beach Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures:

• improve the facilities on the esplanade but keep in character; • protect and restore the Department of Conservation reserve; • restore the Waitohu Stream and wetland, the original dune systems to the

north and the Otaki River mouth. Local Outcomes 11.4 That there are improvements to the main reserve area on Marine Parade near the surf lifesaving club, provided that the general ‘wild’ feel of Otaki Beach is kept. 11.5 That Waitohu Stream and the stream mouth is restored to good health, with extensive native planting and restored bird and stream life. 14. Knowing and Understanding Heritage (including Pipi Trail) 14.2 That the greater Otaki area is known for its special character and has sufficient protection of historic heritage buildings, trees and sites. The community vision includes the development of the Pipi Trail which identifies significant sites of importance and promotes these for better understanding. 16. Access and Road Safety 16.2 That Greater Otaki is a place that:

• promotes a pedestrian and cycle friendly town • has increased the number of cycle lanes and cycle way link network across

the District. 17. Access to the Otaki River 17.1 That the Otaki River is accessible for the community to enjoy 17.2 That the future development of the lake at the Winstone’s plant builds on the

community vision including: • a focus on greening of the industrial area • supports the development of the cycleway/walkway/bridleway network across

the District. 17.3 That people are made aware of and use the Otaki River Walkway. Otaki Community Board Report on Otaki Reserves Fund Priorities (4 August 2009) This report identified priorities the reserves fund. This fund may be spent only on land zoned as reserve under the Reserves Act. Some projects identified are not on such land and so fall outside the scope of this fund. One of these is relevant to the Open Space Strategy:


• footbridge from Atkinson Avenue across stream at Otaki Beach… This project

will have to be advanced via the Cycleway, Walkway and Bridleway work programme or via other rates funding. At this stage it is recommended that the project remains as part of the CWB programme considerations.

2.2 Te Horo Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures:

• restore the Mangaone; • provide some limited facilities for use at the beach.

Local Outcomes A Local Outcomes statement has not been prepared for Te Horo, but relevant open space provisions for the settlement have been included in the Otaki Local Outcomes statement. 9. Te Horo, Hautere and the Wider Rural Area 9.1 That the full potential of the rural area to grow and promote food and other

products and provide local employment is realised and that this happens in a way that…protects remaining bush and coastal areas.

12. Te Horo Beach 12.2 That the Mangaone Stream is restored to a healthy state.

2.3 Waikanae Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures: That Waikanae is recognised as:

• the garden area of Kapiti Coast; • containing a special garden precinct in central Waikanae; • having a strong link with the hills and bush in the eastern area;

and that this is built on by: • improving the town centre, its linkages and appearance.

Waikanae Beach Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures:

• continue to protect and plant and restore the estuary, lagoons and the Waimeha;

• manage vehicle use of the beach and road safety in surrounding area; • improve access to the beach.

Waikanae North: local outcomes Outcome 1 –Further Local Outcomes for Waikanae North 1.2 That environmental enhancement of waterways, wetlands and natural areas is integrated with urban development 1.3 That development of blue and green corridors (waterways and native bush areas) is a feature of any future development of the area. 1.4 That integration and protection of areas of cultural and environmental significance takes place. 1.5 That any urban development provides for walkable communities with generous provision for walking, cycling and horse riding trails.


Note: the map on the last page shows the ‘possible green belt’. Submissions to the 2009 LTCCP relating to open space:

• Waikanae Association Football Club – requests additional playing fields and facilities to keep pace with expanding growth membership. Specifically requests three new senior-sized fields with a building platform. [Council response - the open space strategy “will include an assessment of sporting code need”].

• Waikanae Rugby Football Club – requests consideration of acquiring more land for the club due to a drastic shortage of fields. [Council response - the open space strategy “will include an assessment of sporting code need”].

• Waikanae Recreation Centre – looking for funding to help pay for the cost of extending the Waikanae Recreation Centre (park seating and changing room additions, and kitchen and clubroom extensions). Council response – further work will be undertaken on active sport requirements. Seating could be rates funded as a public good. Council response -

• Mr J Topliff – Council to support ecological restoration on private land on South Bank of Waikanae River. Council response – the new Biodiversity Officer position funded by MfE will assist but no direct funding for planting on private land.


• Mr J Topliff – supports the funding for maintenance of ecological restoration sites – Kaitawa Reserve, Greendale Reserve and the South bank of Waikanae River.

• Friends of the Waikanae River Inc. – requests $10,000 to finish work in Edgewater park and for work slightly downriver from the park where it is a popular swimming area.

2.4 Otaihanga Community outcomes: Choosing Futures

• That the Waikanae River, including its estuary and other waterways (notably the Otaihanga Oxbow, other oxbows and the Muaupoko Stream), and local sand dunes are all preserved and protected as significant natural features within the District.

• That recreational facilities for children include natural, informal play areas in reserves and along the river, as well as a playground designed in keeping with local character.

• That there is a good quality, appropriately landscaped Cycleways, Walkways and Bridleways network (CWB) with tracks along the river (including loop tracks) and into the surrounding rural areas. Specific routes include:

- along the banks of the Waikanae River from Otaihanga Domain to the Western Link Road, Jim Cooke Park or State Highway 1 via either the Otaihanga or Te Arawai footbridges;

- from the Waikanae River to Camelot; - from Otaihanga Village to Camelot via the riverside pathways or other

routes; and - from the Otaihanga Village footbridge to Paraparaumu College via

Kotuku Park.


• That access is provided within the CWB network for a variety of users, including walkers, cyclists, horse riders and people on mobility scooters. In addition:

- both footbridges continue as a critical part of the CWB - network; - there are identified river crossings for horses; - cycle racks, hitching posts for horses, and motor vehicle barriers are

provided in key locations. Submissions to the 2009 LTCCP relating to open space:

• Dr Palmer – the Otaihanga Landfill should be developed as a botanical garden. Council response – will be considered as part of the aftercare plan.

2.5 Reikorangi Community outcomes: Choosing Futures

• improve local facilities but retain hamlet feel and size.

2.6 Paraparaumu Paraparaumu Town Centre Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures: That Paraparaumu (Central and North) is recognised as having the estuary as a key focus in the north, and that is supported by:

• improving safe pedestrian and vehicle access; • increasing the amount of trees on the roads and parks; • making Kapiti Road a boulevard; • restoring the estuary and bird habitats; • protecting the natural beach and dune areas.

Local Outcomes That a civic heart for the District is located within the Paraparaumu Town Centre and includes:

• natural areas; • high quality public spaces;

Outcome 1 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Town Centre 1.1 That significant open space is provided adjacent to the Wharemauku Stream and the flood storage areas. 1.2 That the ‘green network’ of Wharemauku Stream, the key roads, the open space area of the town centre land, basic features that will shape the wider design. 1.4 That the Wharemauku Stream is restored with riparian planting to improve water quality and stream character and improve walking, cycling and disable access. 1.5 That there is an increase in the number and quality of public trees and gardens. Outcome 2 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Town Centre 2.10 That well used, safe pedestrian and cycle routes connect Paraparaumu Town Centre with Paraparaumu Beach and Waikanae. Outcome 4 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Town Centre 4.1 That Rimu Road’s physical design is developed as an integrated package which includes emphasis on quality of design, street trees and resulting amenity with a central median to assist with pedestrians crossing the road. 4.3 That Wharemauku Stream is known for its environmental quality and is an example of good practice for urban streams.


Outcome 5 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Town Centre 5.1 That the town centre amenity is enhanced to encourage an increase in the diversity of jobs…This includes exploring the feasibility of building a new town square adjacent to Wharemauku Stream on the eastern side of Rimu Road. Paraparaumu Beach Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures: That Paraparaumu Beach is recognised as having a strong connection to Kapiti Island, and that this is supported by:

• retaining the coastal natural character and views of Kapiti Island; • improving accommodation and facilities; • restoring the stream as it passes through to the coast.

Local outcomes: Outcome 1 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Beach 1.1 That Maclean Park and the coastal dune reserve are developed as an exciting gateway to the coast and Kapiti Island. 1.4 That the coastal hazard issues along the Paraparaumu Beach waterfront are managed in a way that maximises restoration of natural character and processes where possible. 1.5 That Tikotu Stream is restored with riparian planting to improve water quality and stream character. Outcome 2 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Beach 2.2 That the retail area is supported by street upgrades in Maclean Street and Seaview Road. These upgrades will include median trees…changes to pedestrian crossing points… 2.4 That no more buildings are built on Maclean Park and the park is enhanced for public entertainment and enjoyment. Outcome 4 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Beach 4.2 That Tikotu Stream is known for its environmental quality and is an example of good practice for urban streams. 4.3 That well used, safe pedestrian and cycle routes connect Paraparaumu Beach with Waikanae and Paraparaumu. 4.4 That increased public trees and gardens are provided. Outcome 6 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Beach 6.1 That the ‘duck pond’ is retained as a feature in Maclean Park. 6.2 That family entertainment and activities are promoted and enhanced including upgrading the existing Skate Park to accommodate events and finding a permanent location for the weekend market to operate from. 6.4 That Maclean Park is safe and welcoming to young people and that a wider range of active recreational opportunities are explored on the coast. Outcome 7 – Further Local Outcomes for Paraparaumu Beach 7.1 That local people are heavily involved in the range of sports groups and facilities within the Paraparaumu Beach Town Centre. 7.2 That access to the beach from Maclean Park car park is provided for elderly and disabled users.


Submissions to the 2009 LTCCP relating to open space:

• Mr R Bond – one project that needs consideration is a jetty towards Kapiti from near the end of McLean St, which would enhance the general beach area. Council response – will look at exploration of the concept.

Kaitawa (Paraparaumu East) Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures: That Kaitawa is recognised as a place that has strong links to and interest in the surrounding natural areas and parks, and that is supported by:

• enhancing the area around the rail station and the station itself, and the statue area;

• improving the safety and ease of access to the Town Centre; • continuously improving the local reserves and access from them into the hills; • improving the entrance to Paraparaumu, especially the escarpment.


• Nikau Valley Residents – requests a new playground in Nikau Valley. Council response – no budget, a key issue will be assessing the availability of reserve land.

2.7 Raumati Raumati Beach Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures:

• continue to enhance the park area and provide access along the coastal walls.

Local Outcomes Outcome 1 –Further Local Outcomes for Raumati Beach 1.1 That there is good access to the beach for the whole community, along the coastal foreshore and Wharemauku Stream as part of the cycleways, walkways, bridleways network. 1.2 That Wharemauku Stream is restored with riparian planting to improve water quality and stream character. 1.3 That connections from Wharemauku Stream Reserve and Weka Park to the Village centre are enhanced through formalising pathways and the planting of signature trees along Weka and Raumati Roads. 1.4 That physical and visual connections from the Village centre to Marine Gardens are strengthened. 1.5 That connections to the beach along Garden Road are enhanced through footpath enhancement and design/public art features. Outcome 2 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati Beach 2.1 That the retail area is supported by street upgrades in Raumati, Margaret, Rosetta and Matatua Roads. These upgrades will include street trees….changes to pedestrian crossing points… Outcome 3 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati Beach 3.5 That the footpath on the southern / sunny side of Raumati Road is widened and enhanced with tree planting. 3.8 That distinctive tree planting along Raumati Road takes place to create a ‘boulevard’ feel.


Outcome 4 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati Beach 4.2 That Wharemauku Stream is known for its environmental quality and is an example of good practice for urban streams. 4.3 That well used, safe pedestrian and cycle routes connect Raumati Beach with Paraparaumu and Raumati South. 4.4 That increased street trees, better street lighting and public gardens are provided. 4.5 That entrances to Marine Gardens are designed as an integral part of the Village heart. 4.6 That the connections from the Village centre to the beach are enhanced with visual markers along Garden Road. 4.7 That connections through Marine Gardens are improved for safety and quality reasons [info on how to achieve this – pruning, new walkways, integrating swimming pool area into the rest of the park] Outcome 6 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati Beach 6.1 That family entertainment and activities are promoted and enhanced including upgrading the existing Marine Gardens to accommodate events. 6.2 That an open air amphitheatre is created for outdoor events. 6.4 That Marine Gardens is safe and welcoming to young people and that a wider range of recreational facilities are made available including:

• petanque court; • additional picnic tables; • space for beach volley ball; • coin operated BBQs; • extension of miniature railway (to follow existing contours and in line with the

Sea View Track Extension); • fitness trail.

Outcome 7 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati Beach 7.2 That access to the beach from Marine Gardens car park is improved for elderly and disabled users. Raumati South Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures

• retain strong links with the natural spaces of Queen Elizabeth Park; • increase the amount of active regeneration space and provide access along

the beach edge

Local Outcomes Outcome 1 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati South 1.1 That there is good access to the beach, along the coastal foreshore, Tennis Court Road Reserve and Queen Elizabeth Park for the whole community as part of the cycleways, walkways, bridleway network; 1.2 That the natural landform of dunes and hollows in Raumati south is retained and the natural areas are enhanced with native planting. 1.3 That property owners are encouraged and supported to plant locally indigenous native trees on their properties, to assist in creating ecological corridors with Queen Elizabeth Park, Raumati Escarpment and Kapiti Island. Outcome 2 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati South 2.2 That the Raumati South Village centre is supported by street upgrades in Poplar Avenue. This upgrade will include large street trees,…distinctive tree planting changes to pedestrian crossing points…


2.4 That physical and visual connections from the Raumati South Village centre to the The Esplanade and the sea are strengthened through footpath design, public art features and street furniture including more seating for the elderly. 2.5 That the Esplanade beachfront is upgraded with an attractive innovative solution to the bank erosion and beach access, providing a destination for local residents with easy beach access for all ages and abilities. 2.9 That children and families have safe routes for walking and cycling, especially to schools. Outcome 6 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati South 6.3 That a safer walkway from Tennis Court Road to Raumati South and Te Ra schools is explored to encourage children to walk and cycle more. Outcome 7 - Further Local Outcomes for Raumati South 7.2 That the local hall and vibrant Village centre are recognised as local assets for informal and formal meetings and these are clearly linked by walkways and signage. GW Regional Parks Network Mgmt Plan See section 1.8 for discussion of QE Park. Submissions on the 2008/09 Annual Plan relating to open space:

• Kapiti Coast Rugby League Team – club rooms in Matthews Park, Raumati South, need upgrading. A feasibility study is requested.

2.8 Paekakariki Community Outcomes: Choosing Futures: That Paekakariki is recognised as having unique heritage links with rail and the beach, and is supported by:

• enhancing the main street; • safe access to the village and managed access into Queen Elizabeth Park; • improved and co-ordinated design of the coastal protection wall measures.

Local Outcomes Outcome 1 – Further Local Outcomes for Paekakariki 1.1 That the Open Space Gateway area becomes:

i. The pre-eminent natural context for the Village; ii. The defining natural ‘entry’ point to the District from the south; iii. A place for recreation; iv. That Paekakariki Village becomes known as a place from which to explore this

wonderful natural area.

1.2 That Queen Elizabeth Park continues to improve and flourish as an important natural coastal and dune environment, with north / south and east / west walking, riding and cycling linkages 1.3 That the historical values and the natural values of Whareroa Farm (including as publicly owned land) are protected and preserved for future use and access by the public. 1.4 That the coastal hazard issues along the Paekakariki waterfront and queen Elizabeth Park are managed in a way that maximises where possible, restoration of natural character and processes.


1.5 That the nationally significant coastal landscape and escarpment from Pukerua Bay to Paekakariki is retained free of the impacts of development, such that

• Its present landform and visual qualities are maintained forever; • Native vegetation and habitat is restored; • Views from the coastal highway are preserved • Development along the escarpment skyline is avoided • The rocky coastline is not further adversely affected by development.

Outcome 2 - Further Local Outcomes for Paekakariki 2.2 That the following overall character elements found in the Paekakariki Village continue to be a feature of the Village:

• large trees in the parks and streets • the backdrop of the coastal escarpment that dominates views from all streets

lying behind the main dunes • views to Kapiti Island.

2.4 That the following smaller precincts of local character are maintained and enhanced: Ames Street Reserve and the southern end of Queen Elizabeth Park – these areas provide the green ‘ends’ to the Village. Ames Street Reserve contains on e of the few remaining areas of original coastal vegetation, which the southern entrance of Queen Elizabeth Park provides a lovely recreation area. With the camping ground, it reflects the history of Paekakariki as a place to visit by the sea. Residents value these areas as they are and want to see their qualities continue into the future. Outcome 5 - Further Local Outcomes for Paekakariki 5.1 That Paekakariki becomes known as the Southern Gateway to the Kapiti Coast, a place that provides an exciting visitor experience based on:

• the Open Space Gateway; • the heritage values of tangata whenua, the Village and Queen Elizabeth Park; • the beach.

Outcome 7 - Further Local Outcomes for Paekakariki 7.2 That local people are heavily involved in the range of sports groups and facilities within the Village. GW Regional Parks Network Mgmt Plan See section 1.8 for discussion of QE Park. Environmental, Landscape, and Recreation Values of Whareroa Farm The Open Space Gateway group seeks that Whareroa Farm remains as publicly-accessible open space. Development, such as tourism and recreation, could be undertaken on Whareroa block if it does not preclude its enjoyment as public open space. The Open Space Gateway group identified a number of zones on Whareroa farm which represent the best combination of landscape, environmental and recreational values and routes for walking, mountain biking, and horse riding:

• Back country zone: provides a sense of ruggedness and remoteness, high water quality, bush restoration opportunities, generally lower value for subdivision.


• Accessible bush and recreation zone: has high ecological values and provides very accessible blocks of bush and stream banks at the confluence of the major streams in the centre of the block. It provides access to the back country zone and the main recreational routes and would be the main connection to Queen Elizabeth Park.

• Landscape zones (A) north and (B) south. These are two similar zones comprising separate hill and valley systems to the north and south. These are the dominant visual features of the Whareroa Farm when viewed from Queen Elizabeth Park and from State Highway 1. The ridges and valleys also provide recreational routes.

• Flatter front country zone (A) north and (B) south. North and south of the entrance to the farm, running alongside the highway and rail corridor, are flatter areas. The northern (A) zone is already shielded from the highway and park by established tress and separated from the rest of the farm by hills. To the south, zone (B) comprises a plateau (once occupied by US Marine Camp Mackay) that rises gently from the new highway alignment. The visual impact of development on this plateau is more limited on its lower reaches, but development at the southern end of this plateau would be very visible from Queen Elizabeth Park

• Open face. This zone lies at the centre of the farm. It is the gentle north-facing slope that is highly visible from Queen Elizabeth Park. There are panoramic coastal and park views from this slope. It offers the potential for low impact development that would allow public access, but risks major visual impacts.


• J, J, and D Perkins – concerned that there is nothing allocated for the Paekakariki skateboard park in conjunction with the Campe Estate Trust. Council response –capital funding for skateboard park is allocated.

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Funding Open Space Acquisition, Development, Protection and Access

Introduction and objectives This paper outlines funding of acquisition, development, protection and access options for open space needs for Kapiti Coast District Council. It considers:

1. Current practice 2. Key findings 3. Options that could be taken up in the future.

The key objectives considered for funding are:

• Expanding publicly available open space in the district. • Developing existing open space. • Improving access to, and linkages between, parts of the open space network.

The following Council activities have been considered in terms of their funding, protection and access requirements:

• Land purchase (for reserves) • Land vested in Council through the subdivision process • Providing access to open space • Protection of open space (typically ecological space) • Restoration of open space (typically ecological space) • Cycleways, walkways and bridleways • Development/enhancement of existing and new open space

Renewals and maintaining levels of service are not considered. 1. Current practice We note that the Council has a Reserves Acquisition Strategy (2003). This strategy is a group of policies covering:

• Identification of reserves for acquisition. • Allocation of reserves contributions to fund local and major reserves at the

ward level and strategic reserves acquisition at the district level. • Criteria for accepting land or cash and delegation of the decision to accept

land. • Treatment of reserve credits and gifting of land.

It is understood that these policies serve as guidelines only and have reflected and influenced Council’s approach to reserves funding. Council’s approach appears to be not inconsistent with the policy provisions. Types of funding There are two categories of funding considered in this paper, differentiated by the purpose or beneficiaries of the funding and the funding sources that can be used. Growth funding is recovered from the growth community (new developments), and the funds must be spent to serve the growth community only. They cannot be used to fund renewals, level of service upgrades to existing ratepayers or backlog required to meet target levels of service to the existing community. The key challenge of growth

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funding is to develop a strong case demonstrating that the proposed growth expenditure is to be used solely to provide additional capacity for growth. Level of service and backlog funding is to benefit the existing community. Level of service funding is required to increase the level of service to the existing community, while backlog funding is used to increase open space capacity where there is insufficient capacity for the existing community. Growth funding mechanisms Councils have a choice of two mechanisms for recovering the costs of growth from developers: reserve contributions and development contributions. Reserves contributions under the RMA

• Council’s current sole mechanism for funding new open space to accommodate growth. It is estimated that Council has in the past typically received up to $2 million per annum in reserves contributions in cash and land. This has slowed in the past couple years due to the recession (amounts received were around $300,000 in 2008/09 and $200,000 through the first half of 2009/10).

• Cash is preferred: o The amount of contribution for a development is based on land value:

7.5% of value capped at maximum contributions of $11,250 per lot, and 12.5% for non-residential development (see District Plan section on Financial Contributions).

o Cash is allocated to local and ward reserve purchase based on need. • Land may also be vested in Council

o This is typically done for larger scale subdivisions, although subdivisions as small as 15 lots have vested reserve land with Council.

o The Reserves Acquisition Strategy sets out a minimum size of 2,000m2.

o Quality control and suitability issues may arise. The amenity value of the land should be commensurate with the value and characteristics of the development.

o Council is confident that it is taking suitable land for reserves purposes.

• Limitations and conditions for how reserve contributions are spent o Reserve contributions can be used for land purchase and other capital

expenditure. o In accordance with Council policy, reserve contributions are spent on

a ward-by-ward basis. o It is understood that while the levels of service underpinning the

Reserves Acquisition Strategy are not being actively monitored, reserves contributions are largely being spent to provide reserve capacity for growth to meet local and major reserves needs at a ward level.

• KCDC’s approach to reserves contributions

o The KCDC approach is typical of other councils taking reserve contributions. There seems to be limited supporting analysis to ensure that the contributions are spent only on meeting new needs resulting from growth.

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Development contributions • KCDC has a development contributions policy for all community facility

requirements including walkways, cycleways and bridleways (as transport expenditure) but not for open space acquisition and development.

• Development contributions are a useful funding tool for Council’s district-wide growth expenditure because they are intended to fund growth needs beyond just ‘direct effects’ – ie expenditure for district-wide benefit. Also, they can only be challenged through a judicial review of the policy development process, rather than in the environment court in respect to each development.

• In practice, development contributions and financial contributions can be treated in much the same way, and similar sorts of expenditure (including district-wide impacts from growth) can be recovered, provided there has been analysis of the need and benefits to growth.

• The maximum contribution is set at 7.5% of land value or the equivalent value of 20m2 of additional lot created. Development contributions can also be made in the form of land.

• Development contributions require a methodology to be developed for each asset or project:

o Expenditure must be noted in the LTCCP capital works schedule – ie walk, cycle and bridleways are currently included in the LTCCP as a component of transport expenditure for cost recovery

o Care is required in preparing the LTCCP capital works schedule in relation to growth, backlog, level of service upgrade and renewals. Non-growth costs may not be recovered with development contributions. Development contributions will often be only part of the funding of a project; the other parts may be backlog, level of service and renewal components.

o Therefore, asset planning must explicitly consider the demand arising from growth. This is used to determine what percentage of the project is for growth, and how many growth units of demand (new lots etc) it will serve.

o Development contributions can be taken for ongoing district-wide programmes with a growth component (such as budget allocations for ongoing carpark surface upgrades, walkway upgrades or playground development without specifying the exact works required) as well as ‘unique’ expenditure for a specific new facility or upgrade.

• Council must have processes for linking contributions with capital expenditure – contributions must be spent on providing the equivalent benefit (not necessarily the exact project) for which it was collected.

Note that growth costs may also be funded from other sources, where Council decides that providing capacity for growth should be paid for out of rates or where cost recovery would be inefficient. Level of service and backlog funding mechanisms Rating

• Non-growth related open space capital expenditure (land acquisition and development) is funded from rates. While rates-funded capital expenditure is identified in the LTCCP, the split of the growth component from backlog, level of service funding and renewals for open space is not made explicit.

• A Strategic Reserves Acquisition Fund, for strategic purchases anywhere in the district is funded by rates at a set amount of $100,000 per annum. It is

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understood that funds have recently been used primarily to fund land purchases for improving access to existing parks and reserves.

• Note that loan funding for level of service expenditure (total funding or part funding of projects with a growth component) would be funded from rates.

Ecological space grants and funds programme

• Council is running contestable funds for riparian protection on private land and for the protection and restoration of significant natural heritage sites on private land. There is also a rates relief programme for conservation efforts on private land. The programmes are funded for $25,000 per annum for riparian protection and rates relief and $27,000 per annum for heritage grants and are highly subscribed by ratepayers. Council may provide in-kind support to grantees, including professional advice (management plans), labour and plants.

Third party funding and third party land Third party open space

• Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) owns Queen Elizabeth Park and may consider expansion and development of the Park. KCDC may decide to present a case for this based on demand for a higher capacity/higher amenity space. Alternatively, (or as well as) it may request that consideration be given to a regional facility in the north of the district. Joint programmes with GWRC for restoration and pest control are also in place.

• The Department of Conservation has significant holdings in the Kapiti Coast District. The Department would have to seek additional Crown funding to expand its estate based on the criteria set out in its Conservation General Policy (essentially protection of and access to significant sites).

Third party funding KCDC receives third party funding for open space protection and cycleway construction from various sources.

• The Queen Elizabeth II National Trust provides legal and physical protection for private landowners who are prepared to covenant native forest or wetland remnants. A QEII covenant is also partially funded by Greater Wellington Regional Council. Covenants are also eligible for rates remission under the Local Government Act

• The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will contribute 53% of construction costs for commuter cycleways. The Kapiti Coast Rotary Pathways Trust was established to raise funds for the Millennium Cycleway project.

• GWRC’s Take Care fund provides funding and advisory support to community groups for conservation projects.

Ecological space community group facilitation

• Council officers have succeeded in facilitating community groups and securing third party funding, particularly for ecological purposes. However, two significant sources of funding previously provided by the Ministry for the Environment’s (MfE) are currently not available. The Sustainable Management Fund is in abeyance and the Community Conservation Fund has been abolished.

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2. Key findings

• Funding and vested land from reserve contributions are adequate to keep pace with growth at the neighbourhood, local and major reserve level. There are some gaps in the reserve network, particularly in smaller or well established areas where new development which could contribute to new reserve space, is unlikely (see Public Open Space Assessment). Backlog expenditure is required to fill network gaps in these areas.

• No evidence has been cited to suggest that growth expenditure has been robustly identified. It may be that reserve contributions are being inadvertently used to fund some backlog and level of service upgrades for the existing community.

• There is limited availability of funding for ‘strategic’ open space developments at the district-wide level, e.g. a new major initiative such as a botanic garden.

• Growth funding will assist major district-wide initiatives but these are also likely to involve level of service upgrades and/or backlog for the existing community which have to be funded from rates.

• Council may have other non-ownership opportunities to increase access to open space. Partnerships with schools for community use of school sports fields have been identified as an opportunity and negotiations are currently underway. Other opportunities include regulatory requirements and/or incentives e.g. through the District Plan.

• There is strong community interest and demand for funding to support community groups undertaking ecological protection and restoration. However, MfE funding for local conservation works is no longer available. To continue providing financial support for this type of activity, Council will need to seek alternative sources of funding.

3. Funding opportunities Council considers that its current reserve contribution policy is largely keeping pace with growth-generated open space needs. However, there are limited funds to make large scale strategic purchases to serve growth at a district level (e.g. major ecological or landscape corridors, or large district facilities). If it is desirable to develop significant open-space projects, Council could consider reviewing its growth funding policies and mechanisms. The options are set out below. a. Growth funding Increasing the allocation of reserves contribution to district-wide significant project expenditure

• This will have the effect of reducing the funding for local and major reserves. Council will have to satisfy itself that it can continue an adequate level of service for local communities if contributions are reallocated in this way. It will also have to provide an analysis of its capital expenditure for growth. A financial analysis of the implications of any reallocation would be required.

Establishing development contributions for open space funding in the 2012 LTCCP

• Council has signalled its interest in replacing reserve contributions under the RMA with development contributions under the Local Government Act for the provision of new open space. This will require a robust analysis of future needs to support growth–related expenditure in the District.

Evaluation of financial and development contributions

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There is no “absolute” answer to whether development or financial contributions are the appropriate tool for growth funding. The following points are worth noting:

• Development contributions can be changed more easily than financial contributions, the latter requiring a change to the District Plan.

• Development contributions can only be challenged by judicial review on the basis of the reasonableness of the policy and methodology. Financial contributions may be challenged in the Environment Court on a case-by-case basis.

• There is ostensibly a wider causal nexus (link between development and requirement for works) for development contributions than for financial contributions, as the focus is on direct effects. The statutory intent of the development contributions provision in the Local Government Act 2002 was to provide Councils with a tool for recovering growth costs for district-wide works.

• For development contributions, Council is required to identify growth costs in the 10 year capital works schedule in its LTCCP. This is a significant forward planning challenge, but the completion of the Open Space Strategy will leave Council better placed to develop a 10 year programme and support cost allocation to accommodate the effects of growth.

• However if Council decides to recover the costs of growth for major district-wide projects, whether it continues to use financial contributions under the RMA or development contributions under the LGA, it will have to perform a robust analysis of its open space expenditure to identify growth, backlog, level of service and renewal components at a project-by-project level.

Council must make a decision on what funding tools are best suited to its future aspirations, particularly its appetite to undertake significant projects with a growth component, and its capability to develop a 10 year capital programme for open space. This programme would need to clearly identify the growth related components. b. Rates funding of level of service and backlog expenditure

• With better established and explained open space priorities arising from the Open Space Strategy, council officers may be in a better position to identify growth, backlog and level of service requirements and therefore may be better able to contest rates funding for open space projects in budgeting rounds. Addressing backlog and improving levels of service must both be funded by rates.

c. Leveraging third party and community resources

• Council has performed well in securing third party funding, leveraging community resources and enthusiasm and increasing the stock of protected and restored open space in small but valuable increments. As the chief sources of third party funding, MfE’s environmental support programmes are no longer available, Council will need to explore alternatives for this type of funding, and other ways to support and encourage community energy and enthusiasm for environmental restoration and enhancement of the district’s open spaces. Alternatives could include an increased allocation to the Council’s riparian protection and natural heritage sites grants.

• Developing partnerships with schools for the shared use of sports grounds, and with private landowners to create new access ways and support conservation efforts on private land may provide immediate value for money.

Appendix 1: Combined Ecological and Landscape Framework

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