Otaraua drainage aims to improve surface for 2018 season

Work will kick off on Monday 29 January to carry out essential drainage work at Otaraua Park, to help sports teams make the most of the fields going forward.

Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says this is work will benefit a range of sports clubs, supporters and community groups.

“Last year we had limited fields available due to significant flooding and a lot of wet weather. This work on the main field will improve the surface, increase the number of hours that the fields are available, and hopefully relieve some of the pressure on field availability in Kāpiti.”

“It’s a start and won’t fix the problem entirely, so we need people to keep in mind that there will be days where there’s just too much water for play to go ahead, on this field and others around the district.”

Council has contracted Mexted Performance Sports Surfaces, sports field drainage specialists, to carry out the work which will take approximately three weeks. The work will coincide with Greater Wellington Regional Council work at Jim Cooke Park in Waikanae to get those fields ready for the season. Loaders will be crossing the Waikanae River at times to move materials between the two sites, and workers will be on site to help keep everyone safe.

The other Otaraua Park fields will still be available for pre-season training while this work is carried out.

Kāpiti Coast District Council invites expressions of interest for funding

The Kāpiti Coast District Council has a new approach to the way it supports not-for-profit organisations to deliver social services in the district and the expression of interest for the $345,000 social investment fund opens Monday, closing on 21 February.

Not-for-profit organisations offering social services in the Kāpiti district can apply for contestable funding to support initiatives or programmes that contribute to the Council’s new social investment priorities; supporting connected and safe communities and improving the overall capability of Kāpiti’s community and social sector.
Programme design and delivery manager Tania Parata is optimistic about the new process.

“This new strategic approach to social investment funding will mean Council can partner with community and social service organisations to reach better outcomes. We’ll be able to target funding to communities and places where there is greatest opportunity for initiatives to deliver most benefit.”

Ideas shortlisted from the expressions of interest will progress to a proposal stage with new contracts in place from July.

For all details on how to lodge an expression of interest for your organisation, see: kapiticoast.govt.nz/Our-District/Our-Community/social-investment/

Avoid bird carcasses by Kāpiti district waterways
Council is advising people to keep away from dead birds in or near waterways in the district.
Waikanae SPCA yesterday reported two cases of suspected avian botulism, a disease that causes paralysis and death in birds, at the Waimanu lagoons.

Parks and recreation manager Alison Law says that formal testing on the two dead swans that showed avian botulism symptoms has yet to confirm the cause of death, but a precautionary approach is taken in cases where an outbreak is suspected.
“Birds affected with avian botulism typically show signs of paralysis, are unable to fly, and have drooping heads. Wild and captive bird populations, most notably waterfowl, can contract the disease, but it does not cross over to human beings.”

Ms Law says that the disease is spread to other birds through the carcasses of those killed by avian botulism, and can make dogs and cats sick if they eat a dead bird infected with the disease.

“So, anyone who sees a dead bird in the lagoons area is strongly advised not to touch it, but, rather, should inform the Council so our staff can remove them and dispose of the carcasses safely.”

Health authorities say avian botulism is unlikely to pose a threat to humans, but can be passed onto cats and dogs. Ms Law says that pet owners should be vigilant and watch that their pets don’t go near any bird carcasses. It is possible for animals other than birds to get sick if they ingest meat infected with the toxin causing avian botulism.

Most outbreaks of avian botulism occur during summer when there is less oxygen in waterways due to lower water levels. This causes decaying plant growth and the perfect microclimate for the toxin to occur. Outbreaks are managed through the removal of infected carcasses and, once cooler weather comes, the disease generally runs its course.

Anyone who sees sick birds at Waimanu Lagoons or on the north side of Waikanae Estuary should inform the Kapiti SPCA.

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