Projects

The Ōtaki International Kite Festival – as its name suggests – has become an international event since the first festival in March 2013. It attracts an estimated 20,000-plus people to Ōtaki's expansive beach to enjoy not only the huge array of kites from New Zealand and overseas, but also stage entertainment, and food/craft stalls. Visitors can settle in with a picnic on the beach or grassed entertainment area, wander through the many diverse stalls, wonder at the kites, or go for a swim in the sea. All with Kapiti Island as a backdrop.

The event is free, made possible with the support of Kāpiti Coast District Council – and in 2026 with a new set of sponsors that include the Wind Energy Association, local real estate company Kelly & Co, and electricity supply company Electra. The kite festival also relies on the support of a huge number of volunteers who staff the information and merchandise tents, look after the kite flyers, act as marshals on the beach, and organise the weekend's activities. 

The Ōtaki Community Expo is on again this year, at the Ōtaki Memorial Hall from 10am-2pm, Saturday October 10.

The expo, which has been held annually since 2012 (a year off in 2025), provides community groups, clubs and service providers with the opportunity to showcase the activities that support the health and wellbeing of our community. Entry is free.

Groups interested in taking a stall at this year's event can email otakicommunityexpo@gmail.com for booking details.

Christmas Wonderland 

The Christmas Wonderland event has delighted local children and adults for the past five years. It is held in the Ōtaki College hall, usually in the week before Christmas. The hall is decorated as a wonderful Christmas grotto, with plenty of interactive activities, festive displays and, of course, Father Christmas. Entry is by koha, with funds going to the Ōtaki Foodbank.