BRIEFS
Four get funding
Four Ōtaki organisations have received funding from Kāpiti Coast District Council’s 2023-24 Community Grant Scheme. They are: Ōtaki Promotions Group, $1000 to enhance the Christmas wonderland project; Ōtaki Stroke Support and Wellness Centre, $1000 for Sit and Be Fit classes; Ōtaki Toy Library, $1831 to improve its toy collection; and Ōtaki-Waikanae Presbyterian Parish, $500 towards a new barbecue.
House prices still falling
The median price for an Ōtaki house dipped another $10,000 last month to $600,000. According to the website homes.co.nz, Ōtaki prices have dipped more than 20 percent in the past 12 months, and 5 percent in the past three months. Median prices hit a peak of $770,000 in December 2021.
Locals scoop coffee awards
Two managers of the Streetwise coffee carts in Ōtaki – Latalya Rewai and Natalie Dette – received the customer service award at the recent national Streetwise Coffee awards. Streetwise operates 24 coffee carts throughout New Zealand.
May quieter month for brigade
It was a relatively quiet month for the Ōtaki Volunteer Fire Brigade in May. It had 13 call-outs, including for for medical emergencies; two each for rubbish, scrub or grass fires, property fires, and motor vehicle accidents; and one each for private fire alarms, “special services” and assisting the Levin brigade. Grant for shed doors
Ōtaki Surf Life Saving Club has received $12,000 to pay for shed doors in the latest round of grants from NZ Community Trust.
Forks road still blocked
People wanting to get to Ōtaki Forks are reminded that the road access remains closed. It has been blocked since large slips fell across the road in 2020 and 2021. The slips, on Ōtaki Gorge Road at the area known as Blue Bluff, remain active and are not safe to cross. The Department of Conservation has created an alternative walking access into the area. This is open but is a challenging walk.
Still time for Census
The 2023 Census closes at 5pm on June 30. People can still complete their Census forms by 5pm on June 30 – online at census.govt.nz, and by mailing paper census forms to arrive with Stats NZ by June 30. For help call 0800 CENSUS (0800 236 787).
Correction
The caption for a photo in the May issue identified a woman at a museum exhibition opening as Elizabeth Ledson. She is Barbara Deverey.
