Recap: Paekākāriki Community Board meeting of 28 April 2026

May 4, 2026

A community board meeting was held on Tuesday 28 April at 7pm. All board members were present, alongside council staff representatives.

Key items discussed

Relationship accord with Kāpiti Coast District Council. Members agreed they needed more time to discuss and get clear answers on a number of queries. So this was left to lie in the table for the next meeting
Leave of absence. Agreed for the Chair to be given power to grant leave of absences.

Public speakers

Paekākāriki School principal Julia Bevan spoke to the board about the declining role of the school and the various contributing factors. Julia made a suggestion that the community look into acquiring a community van that can be used to transport out of town students to and fro school. Board members all agreed this was a fantastic idea and such a van could be used to service college kids, kindergarten and ECE kids, and elderly community members, needing transportation support to reach amenities. Board asked Julia to look into the costs and come back to the board with any progress and a suggested course of action. Board will support. Julia also spoke about the upcoming 140th celebration dinner.
Sally Heppenstall spoke about the activity of the Over 60s group here in the village and KCDCs age friendly approach devised in cooperation with the Age Friendly Reference Group of which Sally is a part. The over 60s have regular digital seniors sessions, speaker events, walking groups, and happy hour drinks at the bowling club. Sally encouraged all Board members to familiarise themselves with the Age Friendly Approach strategy document.
Paul from the Tool Library thanked the board for supporting the startup costs and shared an update about uptake and member sign ups
I’ve forgotten the name whoops – but wattle trees were raised again. Board has followed this up and council has encouraged Antenno submissions. Anyone unsure on how to do this can email the board and we can submit a request on your behalf

Funding applications considered:

Paekākāriki Playcentre for restocking civil defence kit and purchasing general supplies. Decision to leave the application on the table for the next meeting. And Playcentre encourage to apply for the clubs and services grant as their project fits with the criteria.
Paekākāriki over 60s group seeking $360 to support a winter wellness speaker series. Granted
Arts Potluck, seeking $500 to assist with hall hire and running costs. Granted.
Paekākāriki School seeking $500 towards the cost of hall hire and catering for their 140th birthday celebration. Granted.
Paekākāriki School seeking community board support for an application to the Campe Estate to fund transport for the year 5&6 school camp this year. Board recommended Campe Estate support this application.

It was noted that the board have one more meeting left this financial year and that community groups are encouraged to apply for funding now to ensure their application is considered in this financial year.

Member updates

ANZAC service, well attended by the community and community board members. Thank you to Helen Keivom for her organising efforts. She is stepping down and handing over to Sally Heppenstall and the over 60s group to lead going forward.
Seawall art group is working away on concepts and Tina will invite them to come along and speak with board members
Paekākāriki Art Show was on over the weekend, drawing plenty of visitors to the village. Local businesses were busy.
Seawall construction has started and community members can access regular updates through signage up around the village (one is by the community notice board across the road from St Peter’s)

Matters under action

Items resolved and closed off:

Eels/tūna protection: Elyse is in touch with QE Park rangers about improving signage and running some community education events
Water safety/surf safety lessons for rangatahi: Elyse in conversation with school, surf club, Ngāti Haumia.
Wattle trees – KCDC have advised that if residents see wattle trees needing removal to please lodge an Antenno request. Community board members can support these requests when required. Elyse to report back to Jan Nisbet.
Pingau/Pingao street name correction – KCDC advises that the community board can make a service request to have this corrected. Cr Grace, community board members Himiona Grace and Elyse Robêrt will work on some community engagement and notification
Miriona Budge sign next to Wai Ata and the community noticeboard and water tap have all been reinstated.

Other matters

Te reo naming of Paekākāriki library: official information request submitted to request the council look at the gifted name and update signage and KCDC website to use and a knowledge this name Matekitewhaiwhai
Reserves omnibus and renaming of Paekākāriki reserves – KCDC asked to advise on process and where this has gotten to.
Seawall project is underway, with 116 lizards found and rehomed the start therefore delayed. Middens have since been found and an archaeologist is now on site. To keep the project moving the work has been moved along the beach 100m whilst the due process is followed.