Work starting today on Ōtaki Beach's basketball court
Ōtaki Beach's basketball court is set to get a new lease of life.
Work started today to clean the concrete and repair cracks and uneven parts of the court. It is expected to take one week to complete. The repairs will make the area more usable for all members of our community.
There is plenty of other work underway at our parks, including:
🚗 Tilley Road Reserve carpark in Paekākāriki will be repaired and partially resurfaced from 30 January–2 February
💪 the adult exercise equipment at the Milne Drive Reserve playground in Paraparaumu will be open from Monday, 30 January. The equipment was installed last week as the final part of the playground's revamp, but has been fenced off to allow the concrete bases to cure
🤾🏼♀️ Shotover Reserve playground in Waikanae will be closed from 31 January to undergo its revamp. The Shotover Reserve playground's new look will be based on what you told us during consultation in 2021
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.5% Yes
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22.7% No
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.