Kāpiti Coast District Council has welcomed new funding totalling $1.4 million for two Ōtaki projects through the Government's Provincial Growth Fund, an investment that will create new jobs and revitalise two well-used facilities.
The Māoriland Charitable Trust has received a $900,000 grant to upgrade the Māoriland Hub building to house the Centre for Māori and Indigenous Film and Creative Excellence, and council has been awarded $500,000 towards the refurbishment of its Ōtaki Civic Theatre.
"The Ōtaki Civic Theatre is a much-loved community asset that hosts a range of events including the Māoriland Film Festival, musicals, concerts and school productions," acting place and space group manager Darryn Grant said.
"As part of a wider review of the condition of council's property portfolio earlier this year, we identified that the theatre requires a significant refurbishment to address a number of pressing issues related to the condition of the building.
"Without this funding, we wouldn't have been able to progress this work as quickly as we can now."