Entry received from: Waimakariri District Council
Category: The Minister of Local Government’s Award for Excellence in Council-Community Relations
Waimakariri District Council's Regeneration Kaiapoi project has generated a vibrant landscape of interconnecting recreation and commercial spaces, rich with opportunities for cultural and social connection, out of earthquake-damaged land that was red-zoned by the Crown.
Implementation of the multi-year project, delivered over five regeneration areas, covering some 80 hectares, has been 100 per cent community-led, in partnership with residents, visitors, businesses, mana whenua and central government.
From school children through to the elderly, we ensured everyone had an opportunity to shape these spaces. Ongoing partnerships continue to ensure community ownership of amenities.
Today, the Kaiapoi Regeneration area attracts visitors and provides recreational opportunities, including new sports and recreation reserves, a Heritage and Mahinga Kai Reserve to foster cultural learning opportunities and traditional practices, a Marine Precinct, complete with floating pontoon and a heritage boat for sunset cruises, a sustainable forest and a dog park complete with its own 'stick library' - just to name a few!
Regeneration Kaiapoi aimed to restore these areas, which had been locked away from their community since the 2010-11 earthquakes, and return them back to the community. We are humbled by the ownership and usage of these areas by the community that today connects, recreates and reflects in these spaces.
Thank you to our category sponsor