Petition to Mayor Moko Tepania & Elected Members of the Far North District Council

Old Warehouse Building – Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia

The Far North District Council has voted to demolish the old Warehouse building on Matthews Avenue in Kaitaia. The decision was made under public exclusion, without community consultation, and comes at a cost to ratepayers. For many residents and business owners, this building sits at the heart of the town centre, next to the Saturday Markets and key local businesses. Its future will shape how people live, work, and connect in Kaitaia for decades to come.

The community’s concern is not only about the loss of the building itself, but about the lack of transparency and engagement around such an important decision. With recent rates increases, many are questioning whether spending money on demolition right now is the best use of public funds, especially when other locally driven proposals could see the building repurposed into something that supports both economic growth and community wellbeing.

Demolishing the building now removes the chance for the community to explore other options. There may be opportunities to reuse or redevelop the space in ways that support local business, youth facilities, housing, and public gathering areas — but those possibilities can only be properly considered if the community has a seat at the table.

A new Council will soon be sworn in. This is the right time to pause and allow open, transparent discussion about what happens next. By signing this petition, you’re asking the Far North District Council to stop demolition, let the incoming Council review the decision, and give the people of Kaitaia a real voice in shaping the future of this key town-centre site.

We, the undersigned residents, ratepayers, and members of the Kaitaia community, respectfully request that Mayor Moko Tepania and Elected Members of the Far North District Council:

1. Rescind the motion authorising the demolition of the former Warehouse building located on Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia.
2. Pause all actions relating to this demolition, including the engagement or contracting of any demolition services.
3. Defer further decisions regarding the future use or development of the site until after the new Council is formally established following the 2025 local body elections.
4. Undertake open and transparent public consultation with the wider community before any decisions are made on the future of this site, allowing residents, businesses, and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas.

We believe that meaningful community input is essential to ensuring that any future development of this key town-centre site reflects the shared aspirations of Kaitaia’s people and supports a vibrant, safe, and thriving town centre.

Petition lead by the Kaitaia Business Association on behalf of the Kaitaia Community.