Development plans approved for Otaraua Park

Plans to develop 60 hectares of land in the centre of Kāpiti into a multi-purpose recreational and sporting facility at Otaraua Park have been approved by Kapiti Coast District Council.

Located on the south bank of the Waikanae River, the Council has been working with iwi, the community, and key stakeholders on plans to develop Otaraua Park since purchasing it in 2012.

“The plan is to develop a top sport and recreation destination for our District, where we will be able to host large-scale events of regional and potentially national significance,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Service Sean Mallon.

“We’ve recently upgraded the drainage on the sports fields, and next we’ll be working on the design and installation of a new amenities block, followed by improvements to the Park’s entranceway from Otaihanga Road.”

Mallon says the developments are being done over the long term, which means some details of the plan may change over time. The Council consulted on, and approved, a management plan for the park in 2014, which will ensure all future developments are done in keeping with certain environmental and recreational priorities.

“We’re confident we’ve reached a good balance between providing a top sports park and honouring our District’s ecological values.”

$4.3 million has been set aside over the next six years in the Council’s 2018-2038 Long Term Plan (LTP) for the re-development, and a further $360,000 annually for the remainder of the LTP. Future development will be funded from a mix of rates and external funding.

“We look forward to continuing our discussions with iwi, sporting groups, and the community as we proceed with the Park’s development,” said Mallon.