Applications for the Kāpiti Coast District Council’s annual waste reduction grants are now open.

There are two different types of grants - waste levy funds for community projects and waste levy funds for new technologies and seed funding.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says this is a great opportunity for community-based organisations and local businesses to fund projects focussed on waste minimisation.

“The purpose of the community projects grant is to support practical, on-the-ground waste minimisation projects that encourage community participation and education,” says Mr Mallon.

“Last years’ successful applicants included a good mix of waste minimisation initiatives including treatment of organic waste, a bike refurbishing project, the development of a plastic-free living guide, promotion of a toy library, and the development of a beach cleaning robot and plastic recycling machine.”

The new technologies and seed funding category is open to businesses, organisations and individuals.

“These grants seek to encourage the establishment of waste minimisation businesses on the Kāpiti Coast and to create opportunities for waste minimisation and economic development through innovative processes and technologies,” says Mr Mallon.

Last year, new technologies and seed funding grants were awarded to consultancy Organic Wealth to offer their waste reduction consultancy services to Kāpiti businesses at a reduced rate.

For more information on Waste Reduction Grants and to apply please visit: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Waste-Reduction-Grants/

The future just got a little more electric for the Kāpiti Coast

The Kāpiti Coast will soon be home to five new electric vehicle charging stations with thanks to a successful funding bid to the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA).

The project is a trans-regional partnership between the Kāpiti Coast District Council, Horowhenua District Council, Electra Ltd, and ChargeNet NZ. It will ensure that nine fast-charging stations are installed in five strategic towns throughout Kāpiti and Horowhenua, including two in Paraparaumu and one each in Paekākāriki, Raumati Beach, and Waikanae Beach.

Kāpiti Coast District Deputy Mayor Janet Holborow is thrilled with the $245,000 EECA contribution that was announced by Minister of Energy and Resources the Hon Dr Megan Woods this morning.

“This is a really exciting step forward in terms of making the move to sustainable transport. This is great news for local businesses as well as supporting a national shift for low-carbon transport options.”

Councillor Holborow says that the project also supports the government reach its target of having 64,000 electric vehicles on New Zealand roads by 2021.

“Having more charging facilities in the Kāpiti and Horowhenua Districts, makes switching from petrol to electric more accessible to residents and businesses in Kāpiti and the Lower North Island. More charging stations along the Kāpiti Coast and through Horowhenua will also strengthen the routes, enabling higher electric vehicle capacity on the roads, with reduced queues and wait times for the chargers available.”

The charging stations are expected to be installed by the end of the 2018-19 financial year.

Dog Control Policy and Bylaw review consultation opens today

The Kāpiti Coast District Council is inviting the community to share their views on the District’s current Dog Control policy and bylaw.

Environmental Standards Manager Jacquie Muir says that dogs are an important part of the Kāpiti Coast landscape, as evidenced by the fact that there are over 7700 dogs and over 6000 dog owners in the District.

“More people own dogs in Kāpiti per capita than anywhere else in the Wellington region. Just over 11% of our residents have at least one dog and this tells us that dogs are an integral part of many people’s families and lives here in our community.

“We know that people hold strong opinions about dogs in our community and the rules that oversee their responsible ownership. We want to hear those opinions to help us to make informed and balanced decisions about dog control. Our goal is to make the Kāpiti Coast a safe, comfortable, and inclusive community for both dogs and people.”

Council is also considering the feasibility of five potential sites across the District for future off-leash dog exercise areas. These are:

• Kaiwaru Trig Forest, Waikanae Park;

• Mazengarb Park Reserve;

• Nga Whakangutu Reserve, Pingao Lane;

• 91 Mazengarb Road; and

• Maui Pomare Road Reserve.

To share your thoughts on dog control on the Kāpiti Coast, visit: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/whats-on/get-involved/have-your-say-on-a-consultation/dog-control-policy-and-bylaw-consultation or stop by a Council Service Centre where consultation drop-boxes are located.

Consultation closes on 14 September.

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