Kapiti Round-Up

Kāpiti speed limits review continues; Rimu Road footpath changes; Mobile curtain bank; Kaitawa Reserve bridge upgrade; Dogs in togs

KĀPITI’S SPEED LIMITS REVIEW CONTINUES

Kāpiti Coast District Council is reminding the community an online survey seeking initial comments on proposed new speed limits around the District, is due to close next week, Monday 19 March at 5pm.

A formal submission process will follow and people interested in sharing their views can also be part of this during April. Around 200 people have already been online to have their say as part of Stage 1 of the review.

The survey and maps of the roads proposed for changes are on the Council’s website.

RIMU ROAD FOOTPATH CHANGES AND TREE WORKS (IN BRIEF)

The Kapiti Coast District Council's work to improve the Paraparaumu town centres continues, with Rimu Road progressing. The work site has been set up on the western side of the road and stretches from the corner of Iver Trask up towards the Kāpiti Road/Rimu Road intersection. Pedestrians need to cross to the other side of the road, either at the crossing or the lights. As part of this work, we’re creating a bay for buses to safely pull in and collect passengers, which will also allow traffic to flow more smoothly along this stretch of the road. Visit our website for more information on this project.

THE MOBILE CURTAIN BANK IS BACK JUST IN TIME FOR WINTER

With thanks to a unique partnership between Kāpiti Coast District Council, Energise Ōtaki Inc., Citizens Advice Bureau Ōtaki and Sustainability Trust in Wellington, free curtains are being provided to Ōtaki homes in need just in time for winter this year.

Kāpiti Coast District Council Corporate Planning and Reporting Manager Kevin Black says the curtains, available to Ōtaki Community Services Card holders, can prevent up to 60% heat loss from draughty and older houses during the coldest months of New Zealand winters.

“Lined curtains – those with two or more layers of material – are thermally effective and a good first step toward a healthy home. Power and medical bills can be reined in quite a bit just by hanging curtains in windows. Combine this with draught stoppers and insulation around windows and doors and heat loss can be cut by more than half.”

Last year, the Curtain Bank helped 56 families in Ōtaki, and the initiative aims to supply even more families with curtains this year. Forms to apply for curtains can be picked up at the Ōtaki Citizens Advice Bureau and then dropped off next week. As the curtains are made to measure in Wellington, they will be ready for pick-up in Ōtaki late-April.

If you miss the Ōtaki Mobile Curtain Bank deadline, you may still be able to access the scheme by contacting Sustainability Trust Wellington directly by phone – 0508 787824 (ext. 705) or email – curtainbank@sustaintrust.org.nz.

KAITAWA RESERVE BRIDGES CLOSED FOR UPGRADES

Kaitawa Reserve bridges are getting upgrades this month and through April and will be closed to reserve users while Kapiti Coast District Council gets underway with refurbishments to improve safety and usability. Alternative access to the park will be via the local road.

The wooden bridge upgrade will use a 99% recycled product called Enduroplank, which has already been used successfully on another bridge in the park late last year.

Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says the cost is similar to wood products, however the major benefit is the longer life span of 40 years and built-in tread.

"The first bridge has proven the increased slip resistance of this product in this shaded, damp environment," she says.

Physical works will consist of fencing the site off, putting up scaffolding, removal of the treads, addition of an additional wooden beam, laying of tread and construction of a wooden handrail that meets higher safety standards.

Residents and reserve users will need to access the park from the road during the works which should take four to six weeks.

A smaller metal bridge located in the southern part of the reserve will also be closed for a couple of weeks during the same period while under panels are removed and refurbished.

DOGS LINE UP FOR A DIP

It's quickly become a highlight of the year for Kapiti's best friends - a chance for Council-registered dogs to enjoy a pool swim in Waikanae, before the outdoor pool season ends.

Owners are already lining up to book a place for their pooch at the pool on Easter Monday 2 April – 2-3.30pm for small dogs, 3.45-5.30pm for medium and large dogs.

It's the second time the 'Dogs in togs' event has been offered to the Kāpiti community before the pool is emptied and cleaned for the winter months.

Register and find out more about the sessions, by calling the pool direct on 296 4789. You'll need your dog registration number and a few other details to book in. You won't need togs yourself, but you'll need to supervise your own dog. All for the cost of a gold coin donation to the SPCA.

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