Kāpiti Coast, Friday 20 April 2018 - A large-scale Lego model of Kāpiti has set the bar for what the region could look like by 2025 if the community works together to meet the challenges of climate change.

Low Carbon Kāpiti has mentored young aspiring planners, surveyors, engineers and builders since February to create a Kāpiti of the future, made entirely from Lego.

A panel of experts, including Robert Vale, Professor of Architecture at Victoria University, assessed the Lego creations yesterday at Coastlands in Paraparaumu, ahead of the prize giving for the best creators. Kyan and Camea Boeyen won first place, and Richard Morgan took out the People’s Choice Award.

Cuttriss, Wellington-wide planners, surveyors and engineers, are a principal sponsor of the project. Monique Leith, a Senior Planner, says the team is impressed by the next generation’s vision for Kāpiti.

“Most of the models on display are well within the bounds of existing, or nearly existing, technology. There is land in Kāpiti suitable for medium-density and mixed-use development. Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is already being rolled out in other communities, and we have a growing cycleway network”.

Hon Kris Faafoi, MP for Mana, who attended the prizegiving, says Kāpiti is already working to make the community more sustainable.

“It was great to see a wind turbine as part of the Lego town, on what looks like Paekākāriki Hill, we’ve been working with the community on a similar project - our young people’s vision for the future is incredibly realistic and achievable’.

Jake Roos, Chair of Low Carbon Kāpiti, says the community has been incredibly supportive.

“More than 600 people voted in the People’s Choice Award, and it’s been fantastic to see the crowds at the display each day - it’s great to see parents and their children get so involved with the project”.

Monique Leith says Cuttriss is proud to sponsor the event - every day they work to positively influence the environment by design and says there are simple things we can all do at home to make Kāpiti more sustainable.

“Aim for zero waste - ditch your rubbish bin and divert your waste between composting and recycling. Say no to disposable items and invest in reusable products to replace items you throw away – food containers, straws, bags, plastic wrap, coffee cups, and bottled water. The list is endless – go for gold!”.

Build a Lego Kāpiti is on display until the 29th of April 2018, at Coastlands Shopping Town. You can find out more about the project and Low Carbon Kāpiti’s work here http://lowcarbonKāpiti.org.nz.

ABOUT CUTTRISS
Celebrating 70 years in the industry, Cuttriss Consultants are leading experts in land surveying, civil engineering and resource management planning in New Zealand. They work with a range of people including business owners, developers, local Councils, central government agencies and local Iwi.

Cuttriss is a socially and environmentally conscious community stakeholder, creating thoughtful spaces for people to work, and live, in. They have been at the forefront of significant projects including the Aotea and Waikanae North housing subdivisions, as well as the relocation of Saint Patricks/Our Lady of Kāpiti School to Presentation Way in Milne Drive, Paraparaumu.

Recognising the Wellington region has unprecedented opportunities for growth with the Kāpiti Expressway and Transmission Gully infrastructure underway, Cuttriss is working to build mutually beneficial relationships with our local communities. For more information visit www.cuttriss.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media