The Asset

The Kaiapoi Red Zones are community assets and public amenities that are slowly regenerating and rejuvenating themselves. It is a combination of considered human engagement, respect for what the land is suitable to be used for and the soft foot print approach that is creating a valuable asset that demonstrates that natural fauna and wildlife, the river and people can live in harmony.

Kaiapoi is in a unique position to become a leader for small township eco redevelopment and sustainable tourism for small towns globally. But most importantly it has the opportunity to engage with all New Zealanders who wish to visit a place that provides a genuine tranquillity in the surrounding environment, a natural sustainability as nature re-establishes herself, with increased natural birdlife and marine life, and a history that is reflective of who we are in the here and now, where we have been before and identifies our journey going forward.

The former identified Red Zone areas as outlined in the red zone recovery plan provides for abundant open spaces for walking and cycling, and in time with interlinked pathways around the township which willl enhance usage. Leading Kaiapoi to be a front of mind destination as a day tripper’s walking or cycling paradise for all ages and abilities, catering from young families to organised walking groups and everyone in between.

Combined with the rich history of the Kaiapoi area that dates back over three centuries which transcends cross cultural boundaries with significant inter- generational milestones. Kaiapoi is one of the most interesting and fascinating places to gain a full appreciation of New Zealand’s unique collective of history.

Kaiapoi is a river town and the river that influences who we are and our lifestyle, with the multiple regeneration projects and proactive environmentally sustainable consciousness of the community. Kaiapoi stands on the cusp of its renaissance (rebirth period) that will stand it in good stead for future generations.

The last decade of considered planning for the recovery /rejuvenation and based community driven consultation where the vision of the townships linkages are akin to a large jigsaw are now becoming visible for all to see and be proud of.

The Waimakariri District Council released a Kaiapoi Town Centre plan in consultation with the business community that in principal both supported and sat alongside the Crown Red Zone Recovery Plan to ensure that there was a cohesive and synergistic approach going forward, in the townships commercial revitalisation.

A recent survey in 2019 conducted by the Kaiapoi Promotions Association, revealed that people wanted to utilise the aspects mentioned above to promote Kaiapoi as a day tripper destination that is accessible to all based leveraging the natural intrinsic beauty of the township and it’s surrounding area.

Internationally former industrial townships especially where there river was a key part of the townships survival in the past, have been developing strategies around the regeneration and rejuvenation of the townships, based on enhancement of water ways, promoting the local history, a selection of independent boutique shops and providing easy access for all walking abilities.

During thr April 2020 Covid19 lockdown the residents of Kaiapoi utilised the opportunity to explore the red zone area and walkways that had been developed over the last five years noting the tranquility due to the rural aspects of the township and increased number of different bird species that were about whilst remaining in their bubble. For many people this was a unquie opportunity to actucally explore and appreciate the many unquie assets of Kaiapoi and the surrounding area.

The promotional slogan developed for Kaiapoi is

Kaiapoi New Zealand Best Rivertown Live Shop Dine Relax

The Kaiapoi East Residents Association believes that all the public amenities from the Red Zone Recovery plan need to be protected and developed as outlined in the founding and supporting documents to ensure that vision of the community becomes a reality and is safe guarded for generations.​

The Kaiapoi East Residents Association sees it’s role in the community as both guardians and watch dogs for Kaiapoi amenities that were a result of the 2010 earthquake and subsequent red zoning of residential land for future generations. Also that people as a community have a collective voice to approach the Waimarkiriri District Council as set out in the objects when forming the Kaiapoi East Residents Association Inc.