Nationally recognised Society judges, Neil Gordon and Caroline Ludford said they had entries from 31 students.

“We were both very impressed by the quality and variety of the photographs entered by the students. They showed real creativity and excellent technical skills. Many of the strongest images would have stood comfortably alongside work produced by members of the Kāpiti Coast Photographic Society. The best photographs had a clear idea or story behind them, while the images on our set theme The Natural Coast, made convincing connections. We thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the entries and congratulate the winners, as well as every student who took part,” said Neil Gordon.

The winner, Jack Griffiths (Kāpiti College) was delighted with the Canon EOS R50 camera he took home. The prize was donated by Harvey Norman.

Elwyn Joslin-Riley also of Kāpiti College, took second prize, a printer and paper donated by Canon NZ.

Third place went to Jesse Fraenkel (Kāpiti College) who scored a tripod from Photo Warehouse. Fourth in the line up, Ellena Bills (Paraparaumu College), went home with an Instamax camera from Noel Leeming. In fifth place, Miles Cooper-Camm, also of Paraparaumu College picked up a voucher for a large canvas print from Harvey Norman.

All the place getters were also awarded a year’s free membership to the Kāpiti Coast Photographic Society.

For more see: https://kcps.org.nz/

The six panels form part of the glass curtain wall system being installed around the building, providing expansive views and ensuring light-filled interior spaces.

The glass curtain wall is a glazed exterior that hangs from the building’s structural frame, providing weather protection and natural light.

More glass panels will be lifted into place this week and next (depending on weather) – another step towards making the building weather-tight.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve seen the top floor take shape with the installation of the structural steel and pre-nailed timber framing now being turned from skeleton structures into rooms.  

This is a substantial transformation of the building, as this level was previously the roof above Level 1 and will become a flexible community space for meetings and events, offering views of Kāpiti Island. 

A key milestone was the installation of the custom-built stairway, which was lifted in through the top of the atrium. The stairway is made from approximately eight tonnes of steel, creating a focal point within the building. 

Perimeter wall framing has been completed, with weather and vapour barriers currently being installed.  

We are very mindful of trying to minimise disruption as much as we can, so we continue to use the rear car park to crane everything in and load-out.

Works to come

The ground floor fit-out is now underway, including mechanical, sprinkler and hydraulic services. Internal wall framing is progressing well, with the ground floor complete and Level 1 now in progress.

A special star-like pattern will be laid with bricks on the level 1 façade of the new entranceway to Te Ara Whetū, opposite Toi MAHARA. This design is a collaboration between the architects, Studio Pacific Architecture, and Tracey Morgan, KCDC iwi representative from Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai.

Council has prioritised sustainability in every part of the build for Te Ara Whetū.  From architectural design that considers sustainable building materials to working closely with contractors Naylor Love and Otaihanga Zero Waste to divert as much waste as possible away from the landfill, 

“During the demolition phase a whopping 94 percent of waste was diverted and we’re also pushing to keep just as much waste out of landfill during construction. Our building team are separating waste on site into clearly defined streams, including timber, steel and scrap metal, PVC, and even some traditionally hard-to-recycle materials. 

“Te Ara Whetū is an example of what’s possible when sustainability is built in from the start, creating a lasting impact for our community.”

Timeline

Expected construction timings

In 2024 Ariki completed Tuna Heke at Raumati with the help of Kāpiti Coast Youth Council.(See story link below).

This time she was working with the students of Paraparaumu School to co-produce the mural Maungakotukutuku at the end of a classbroom block.

Hayley Tanga, Team Leader of Te Whānau Kōtuku syndicate at the school says the new mural has been created with the help of artist Ariki Brightwell, who has worked alongside some of the senior children, who are very proud of their work.

Hayley says the mural was fundraised for by many, many school sausage sizzles. She says this shows the children’s wonderful work and the spirit of support from our school community.

Molly Willoughby, one of the student helpers that worked on the mural, says she had an amazing experience.

“The symbolism of our Kāpiti area and all of its treasures gifted by the land have been expressed through the form of this artwork, alongside the community’s help and donations. Students were all included fairly in the creative process, allowing us to draw, colour, and create how we thought best,” says Molly.

She says because of this, every section of the mural has little, beautiful imperfections that make it feel human and special.

“The artist, Ariki, was extremely sweet and encouraging, treated everyone with respect, and helped us all create the stunning artwork now seen by all. The skills learned from this will stay with me throughout my journey, alongside the memories made during the weeks of work. We are all so grateful for the opportunity, and I personally will treasure this as a highlight of my final year at Paraparaumu School.”

Kāpiti Coasters are seeing increasing numbers of murals popping up throughout the district as we continue to see plain spaces become a focus for public art.

For more of Ariki’s art see: https://www.instagram.com/ariki_arts/

A public meeting to discuss these issues is being held in Waikanae on August 20 (Poster with details below).

Ms Budd, who worked with Police in the UK for 22 years, says the frightening reality is that most children don’t realise they are being groomed until it has gone too far—and many parents don’t recognise the warning signs either.

See the Signs is hosting a community workshop to help parents understand:

• How sexual predators groom children and teenagers.

• The warning signs of child sexual exploitation.

• How social media, gaming, and everyday relationships are used to target young people.

• What parents can do to protect their children before harm occurs.

This isn’t about creating fear—it’s about giving parents the knowledge and confidence to recognise the signs early and have the conversations that could make all the difference.

Prevention starts with awareness. Protecting our children starts with us.

For more see: https://seethesigns.setmore.com/

Live on TVNZ Breakfast, the millionth tree was planted in Queen Elizabeth Park, celebrating the ongoing work of mana whenua, community groups, and volunteers at planting days facilitated by Greater Wellington.

Greater Wellington Council Chair Daran Ponter says the programme is about working with the community to restore ecosystems that sustain wildlife and forests that protect the climate.

“A million native trees is a special milestone for our region, and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for te taiao,” says Cr Ponter.

“Recloaking Papatūānuku is about much more than planting trees. It’s about restoring the health of our regional parks, improving habitat for native species, enhancing the well-being of our waterways, and giving communities a practical way to care for the whenua that sustains us.”

Since 2019, 420 of about 2,000 hectares of former grazing land in regional parks has been replanted. In the coming years, 200,000 native trees are expected to be planted every winter under the planting programme.

Greater Wellington Project Lead for Parks Restoration Kellie Benner says the programme’s success is underpinned by strong partnerships with mana whenua, community groups and local businesses.

“The plants we use are sourced from a diverse network of nurseries, including Rimutaka Prison’s nursery in Trentham and iwi-run nurseries like Otaraua in Kāpiti,” says Benner.

“We work with local contracting crews, Māori-owned businesses, and community volunteer groups who are passionate about environmental restoration; work that has a positive impact not only on the environment, but the community as a whole.

“Park visitors can see the transition for themselves. In just a few short years, the land has changed from pasture with very little biodiversity to regenerating native areas that are full of life.”

Greater Wellington manages eight regional parks covering 33,000 hectares. While the parks contain areas of lush native forest, much of the land was historically converted to farmland, reducing biodiversity and displacing native wildlife.

Greater Wellington Director of Delivery Jack Mace says planting does more than change how the parks look.

“Restoring our parks means improving the health of our streams, wetlands, rivers and inlets. Planting along waterways helps create habitat for fish, reduces erosion and the amount of sediment and nutrients getting into the water,” Mace says.

“By gradually retiring stock from these areas, emissions from grazing in our regional parks have nearly halved since 2019. At the same time, forests that capture carbon are re-growing on land previously converted to pasture.

“The million trees we celebrate today are just part of the story. Many of our regions’ landowners are passionate about restoring the environment. We’re working alongside them to replant native forests, stabilise erosion, and protect wetlands and waterways on private land. The planting in our parks has taken root across the region.”

Greater Wellington hosts regular community planting days during the winter months that mana whenua, community groups and volunteers are encouraged to attend.

Upcoming planting days include10:30am on Thursday 30 July at Edgewater Park in Waikanae. See: https://www.gw.govt.nz/your-region/events-and-meetings/new-event-5/

Alongside her journey is Peyton, who is coming to understand what a Tangata Tiriti partnership is and Grayson, a young Māori lawyer navigating his role in the system.

Performed by an ensemble cast, including well known rangatahi Hariata and Tamati Moriarty, the play is presented in Te Rākau’s unique Theatre Marae framework, creating space for collective reflection and shared experience.

Te Rākau is the longest running Māori theatre company in Aotearoa founded in 1989.

Recommended age 12+ contains swearing and depicts some violence. Children under 12 can accompany for free with a paying adult.

Thursday 30 July, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Ōtaki College, Ōtaki

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/otaki/tickets

Saturday 1 August, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre, Paraparaumu

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/paraparaumu/tickets

Friday 31 July, 6:30pm – 8:20pm

Horowhenua College, Levin

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/waenga/levin/tickets

“Congratulations to our winners, and a huge thank you to every venue that took part this year. Your creativity, hospitality and passion made this competition something truly special.”

“Thank you to everyone who voted, explored the trail and supported local this winter.Already looking forward to next year? We certainly are.”

And the winners are:

Best Overall Hot Chocolate: Passo

Best Hot Chocolate Design: Rosetta Cafe

Best Hot Chocolate Taste: Passo

Best Cocktail Hot Chocolate: The Bond Store

Best Sweet Treat: Dark Horse Espresso Garden

The Kāpiti Hot Chocolate Competition is an annual two-week celebration of flavour, creativity and community — where local cafés put their own twist on the classic hot chocolate.

The public were invited to Grab a Hot Choc Passport, collect stamps as you go, vote for your favourite creation, and be in to win amazing prizes. From rich, velvety classics to bold new blends (and even a few spirited options for the grown-ups), there’s something for everyone to discover.

This year’s trail featured over 20 participating cafés and venues.

For more see: visitkapiti.co.nz

The contestable Fund, established in 2013, supports whānau, hapū, iwi, mātāwaka, and Māori businesses and social enterprises in Kāpiti to grow Māori economic activity and deliver positive outcomes for the district. A total of $80,000 was available in this year’s funding round. 

Council Iwi Partnerships Advisor Karly Richardson says the successful projects show the strength and diversity of Māori enterprise across Kāpiti. 

“Māori businesses make an important contribution to the Kāpiti Coast district, not only economically but through the vibrancy, innovation, and cultural richness they bring to our community,” says Ms Richardson. 

“These grants provide practical support to help local Māori-led initiatives take their next step, especially at a time when many businesses are navigating challenging conditions. 

“While the grants are modest, they can make a meaningful difference by supporting recipients to build capability and continue to innovate.” 

Ms Richardson says the grants also support positive opportunities for and with Māori, leading to better outcomes for our communities across the district.

The Fund supports projects that align with the Māori Economic Development and Wellbeing Strategy and contribute to ongoing Māori economic development in Kāpiti. 

The successful applicants and their projects are:

Lenda.nz Limited 

• Develop and deliver a whānau financial wellbeing programme to strengthen financial capability among Māori whānau across the rohe of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. 

Kaha Sustain 

• Develop enterprise-ready infrastructure for a Māori-led technology platform.

S Webber Construction  

• Build and commercialise transportable cabins while providing local rangatahi with hands-on construction training. 

Mana Kupu Trust  

• Produce the short film He Kōrihi and digitise historic 1940s Kāpiti film footage to preserve and share local stories and heritage. 

Mahi Motu 

• Purchase a fit-for-purpose vessel to support Māori-led environmental restoration, customary harvesting, and rangatahi development.

Oranga Ōtaki Limited

• Relocate and fit out a kaupapa Māori medical practice into a larger, centrally located facility to support improved access to health care. 

For more information about the Māori Economic Development Grants Fund, visit https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/maoriedgrant

The Green Party says Melody is a passionate and pragmatic activist and advocate for people and the planet.

“Melody is a passionate activist, dedicated to effecting meaningful and positive change and grounded in principles of equity, sustainability, and mātauranga Māori – advocating for human and nonhuman animals alike.

“Melody is an experienced organiser with a background in operations, planning, and governance. She lives in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and, while continuing to work fulltime, has completed a BA on a full-time-equivalent basis through Victoria University of Wellington – double majoring in Māori Resource Management and Public Policy, with a minor in Political Science.

“She advocates to uplift, protect, and empower workers, nonhuman animals, and our most vulnerable, marginalised, and oppressed communities, including takatāpuhi and trans, disabled people, women, and mana whenua.”

Melody Willis was born in Kaitaia and grew up in Hamilton, spending holidays at her grandparent’s farm in the Bay of Islands. She returned to Aotearoa in 2019 after living in Australia for 15 years as an ‘overseas New Zealander’.

Other party candidates declared for the seat are CK Sng (Opportunity), Tim Costley (National), and Sophie Handford (Labour).

In June 2026, 2,322 young people aged 5–25 accessed free counselling through Gumboot Friday, with 3,776 sessions delivered nationwide.

Sessions are free, no referral is required, and young people choose who they want to talk to from Gumboot Friday’s network of registered counsellors.

Breakdown by age group:

656 young people aged 5–11 (28%)

716 young people aged 12–17 (31%)

950 young people aged 18–25 (41%)

June’s figures mark the busiest month of 2026 so far for Gumboot Friday. They show young people are continuing to reach out in high numbers, and that fast, simple access to counselling remains critical.

Since 2019, Gumboot Friday has funded 164,835 free counselling sessions for young New Zealanders as at 20 July 2026, with more than 927 registered practitioners across the country helping make that possible.

Every month, thousands more sessions are delivered to young people aged 5 to 25, often at a time when they simply can’t afford to wait or pay for support.

“June tells the story pretty clearly. More young people are reaching out, and we have to be ready when they do. These kids don’t have time to sit on a waitlist, jump through hoops, or prove they’re struggling enough. They need someone safe to talk to, and they need it when they ask for it,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.

“Since 1 July last year, 12,242 rangatahi have accessed Gumboot Friday and 37,630 counselling sessions have been delivered. That is 37,630 times a young person has sat down with someone safe and been able to say what’s really going on and we couldn’t do it without the support of New Zealanders,” King says.

Government support helps pay for counselling sessions, but running Gumboot Friday takes more than session funding alone. Donations help support the platform young people use to book counsellors, the team who keeps it running, counsellor support, compliance, awareness, school programmes, community outreach, and the prevention work that helps young people know support is there before things reach crisis point.

With demand now at its highest point this year, community backing remains essential. Every donation, fundraiser, shared post and gumboot sold helps keep Gumboot Friday moving and helps young people connect with free counselling when they need it.

If you or someone you know is 25 or under and needs someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to book a free counsellor today — no referral needed.

To donate, fund-raise, or get involved with I Am Hope, head to www.iamhope.org.nz or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.