Transforming Kaitāia

A community-led transformation of Kaitāia received a major boost last week with news that the former Pak'nSave supermarket on Commerce St will now be demolished. The site has been vacant for over a decade and has deteriorated significantly, becoming a magnet for vandals and an eyesore. I think everyone agrees that it needs to go but arriving at a workable and sustainable plan has required considerable planning and negotiation. Among others, this has included Te Hiku Community Board, the Kaitāia Business Association and the council's commercial arm, Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL). These efforts resulted in last week’s announcement by the building owner, Foodstuffs North Island, of its decision to transfer full ownership of the supermarket site to FNHL for a nominal $1. Foodstuffs has also pledged to donate $300,000 towards the project with the only stipulation being that it benefits the local community.

This is wonderful news for Kaitāia and will further cement the title it won in February of the ‘Most Beautiful Small Town in New Zealand’. The award, presented by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful campaign, was in large part a recognition of the amazing Te Hiku Open Places Revitalisation Project, which has so successfully transformed the Far North’s second largest town. Funded through the government’s COVID Response and Recovery Fund, the project has seen the installation of public artworks, playground equipment, cycle tracks, public seating, water fountains, barbeques and much more in Kaitāia, Awanui and Ahipara. Redevelopment of the Pak'nSave supermarket site will complement that work.

Exactly what will replace the supermarket has not yet been announced, but the aim will be to provide a mix of commercial and community-focused opportunities, including a new town square. Kaitāia Business Association will release plans for the square in coming weeks and the association’s chairwoman, Andrea Panther, has confirmed it will likely include shaded seating, a performance space and artworks.

As already noted, many individuals and organisations have been involved in getting this deal over the line, but I want to specifically acknowledge Foodstuffs North Island for recognising the importance of the site to the people of Kaitāia. The $1 sale price and the $300,000 cash contribution both demonstrate the company’s good will and recognition of an opportunity to give back to a community that has supported it since the Pak'nSave store was opened on Commerce St in 1985.  

FNHL is now developing a master plan for the site and will consult with residents on this. However, residents will begin to see changes at the site very soon. FNHL has confirmed it has contracted a local company to demolish the supermarket building, which should commence in coming weeks. Meanwhile, work on the carpark will be carried out in conjunction with the Te Hiku Working group as part of the Te Hiku Open Spaces Revitalisation Project.

I’m proud of our community. Alongside council, Kaitāia residents have spearheaded transformational projects including Te Hiku Sports Hub (due to open at the end of the year), a revamped playground at Centennial Park and multiple Te Hiku Open Places Revitalisation Project developments.