Lots of building underway
During a busy day in the electorate last Friday, I was struck by the number of building projects underway.
A new hockey pavilion and changing rooms is being constructed at Mazengarb park with help from the council, Lottery Grants Board and local fundraising. The state-of-the art facility will be able to host everything from school and club games through to international tournaments.
Down the road, a major roofing project is happening at Paraparaumu College. This will fix leaks, improve ventilation and provide more space and light. Otaki College is also looking forward to the completion of their technology unit which I toured.
At Coastlands, Farmers is expanding into bigger premises which looks impressive.
The new Kapiti council building is taking shape, as is the new aquatic centre. These two new projects have created a lot of work for local contractors and businesses. Both will be finished early next year.
The next phase of the Kapiti Airport development is approaching rapidly with many new businesses coming to the Business Park
In Levin, Te Takere is in full swing. This cultural and community centre will include meeting rooms, areas for children and young people, a local history area, exhibition and performance spaces, and a café.
I’m sure this will become a central meeting point for locals, and will bring new life to the Levin town centre.
Many of these projects will be finished by the end of the year. Next year I’m looking forward to construction starting on the Kapiti expressway, which will be the first major stage in the Wellington to Levin Road of National Significance. I expect this have significant input from local businesses and workers, and major spin-off benefits for the local economy.
It’s pleasing to see so much positive progress and building happening locally, and this is only a quick snapshot.
From my diary
*Cabinet met on Monday and Parliament is sitting all this week.
*On Monday evening I hosted Commerce Minister Craig Foss at a dinner function in Paraparaumu, and Tamaki MP Simon O’Connor is visiting on Friday.
*On Thursday I’m meeting with Otaki and Kapiti school principals and Minister of Education Hekia Parata.
*I have three speeches to give this week. Wednesday I’m in Auckland for an export education conference, Thursday I’m launching a new immigration website and Friday I will be speaking to Thoroughbred Racing’s annual conference in Christchurch.