Matiti (Summer) in Kāpiti
Over the summer months, our town centres have been alive with visitors and locals picking up essentials or exploring new finds. Commerce includes the activity of buying and selling, just as much as it includes the noise and warmth that comes from that social connection.
Our local businesses (and their employees) help weave together collective well-being, partnerships, employment opportunities and a sense of belonging. That said, we’re very aware of the challenges the Waikanae business community face right now, with the lengthy closure of southbound traffic across the Waikanae Bridge.
Effective infrastructure planning is a pillar for thriving communities. From aesthetics to accessibility, every element contributes to a town’s success. Thoughtful design and engagement allow for easy access, vibrant exchange, and the interconnection of business, tourism, sustainability, culture, and township growth.
The Waikanae Bridge closure emphasises the need to keep pushing for accessible, well-thought-out projects that facilitate easy movement and engagement for all. Local leadership (in Waikanae) and their supporting associations are at the heart of this particular challenge. Our position is that we must work to support local efforts and keep pushing for township solutions that ensure the vibrancy of our district.
The challenge?—how do we share time, energy, resources, and relationships to help guide more progressive decision-making?
Engage locally: attend community meetings and engage with local leadership to voice your concerns. We all know local representation is a powerful tool for driving change.
Petition collaboratively: create or join groups or social channels advocating for urgent action. A stronger collective voice has a greater reach and impact.
Leverage media channels: utilise traditional and social platforms to raise awareness. Increased visibility can prompt faster responses from local leadership.
Direct stakeholder engagement: reach out directly to your networks who are involved, connected to the subject matter, or influential in further decision-making processes. Targeted communication ensures your concerns are clearly understood and elevated. We look forward to a year of more progress, collective thinking, growth, and shared success!
Noho ora mai—go well and bye for now, Monique Leith, Board Chair.