Kāpiti Coast District Council is investigating the re-development of the Te Newhanga Community Centre, to create a space for the community which is inclusive and responsive to existing and future community needs.

With the social and community sector experiencing rapid change post-covid, overall resilience impacted, and the sector struggling to meet demand, we need to re-determine what needs are being experienced in our community.

We are wanting to gain a detailed understanding of what the community wants and needs from a community space, as well as develop a comprehensive understanding of the gaps in the sector, and the current and future needs of the community that could be met by a refreshed community space.

This needs assessment must create a clear picture of unmet social and community needs, to ensure that any future development of Te Newhanga Community Centre is fit for purpose for the community, supports the appropriate outcomes, and is responsive to community needs.

The following is considered in-scope:

• Review existing reports, needs assessments, community surveys, workshops, interviews, and strategic documents

• Identify and map existing facilities (including meeting room venues for hire).

• Identify and engage with existing social sector and community organisations to develop an understanding of unmet current and future needs, and immediate priorities.

• A quantitative analysis of the survey and any other data produced during the needs assessment

• Identify gaps in the current provision of services and social infrastructure to meet social needs within the Kāpiti Coast areas of Greater Paraparaumu, Raumati, and Waikanae (including beaches).

• Identify current and proposed future developments where these are likely to increase social needs within the community and increase the requirement for community spaces.

• Identify and prioritise actions and describe their potential social impacts.