Keep Kāpiti Moving Forward

It’s been an honour to serve as Mayor of Kāpiti. I look forward to serving you for another three years.

During my first term as Mayor I’ve led a Council that has fostered positive relationships and collaboration. Thanks to the strong teamwork between councillors and staff, we’re one of the few councils in the country to deliver our Long-Term Plan on time.

This work has resulted in a Council that is financially solid while continuing to invest in the vital infrastructure and projects that make Kāpiti a place people want to live.

From promoting local businesses to advocating for better health and transport services, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved to support our community—both now and for the future.

Community, Health, and Housing

Everyone in Kāpiti deserves a home and community they can feel safe and thrive in. I’m proud of my and KCDC’s work towards this goal:

· Formed an independent housing trust which will deliver housing across the district.

· Supported arts and creativity. From the Art Trail to the opening of Toi Mahara, I’ve constantly promoted creativity in Kāpiti.

· Advocated for better health services including support for the Kāpiti Health Advisory Group, retaining services at Kenepuru and expanding services at the Day Hospital.

·Re-invigorated advisory groups. Backing locals with expertise who help shape decisions and projects.

I’m eager to keep this good work continuing, see the new Waikanae Library open, keep planning towards an indoor sports and community centre, and continue to push for housing partnerships.

Infrastructure and Business

For us to prosper our infrastructure needs to be prepared for the present and future. During my term we’ve progressed some major projects:

· Reopened Ōtaki Gorge Road at Blue Bluffs following the 2021/22 slips.

· Progressed the Ōtaki reservoir projects to provide additional water and resilience in an emergency

· Replaced and upgrading the Waikanae Wastewater treatment plant – this will make sure its more seismically resilient and able support Paraparaumu and Raumati.

· Completed plans for a new library for Waikanae that will meet growing demand.

When we make sure our infrastructure fit the needs of the community, we increase business confidence and community well-being. To encourage and support local business I’ve been:

· Backing Council support in the Electra Business Awards, and other events that share and promote local businesses.

· Supported Economic Development Kotahitanga Board becoming a Trust, meaning it can unlock funding and partnerships not available to the Council to nurture growth.

· Appointed to the board of Wellington NZ, the region’s economic development agency. This means I can make sure there is attention and support for rural settlements.

It’s important to support business in the area, as a thriving economy creates jobs and reduces our reliance on residential rates.

Finance

Under my leadership we’ve worked hard to be as fiscally responsible as possible. To make this happen:

· Created a financial plan for the future which keeps debt under control, so we can build the infrastructure we need and have the ability to deal with natural disasters.

· Worked with councillors and staff to find savings. The result is lower increases in rates/debt.

· Found external funding for projects and set up to do more of that through establishing independent trusts that can access funds Councils can’t.

· Installed staffing caps to keep operational spending in check.

The result of this is still being able to invest in important work, but having a lower projected increases for rates. There’s much more to be done, and I’ll set up a working group in the next term to work specifically on our finances.

Environment

Over the past three years we’ve stepped up our game caring for our environment. Caring for our biodiversity, water and land was identified as one of the top goals for our Council and we’ve made some great progress:

· Created a Climate and Environment committee to oversee our work, and to welcome presentations and feedback from our Environment organisations and groups.

· Continued our work to reduce emissions, reducing our coporate emissions by 72% since 2010.

· Developed Climate and Environment strategies to set clear goals and make sure our work is progressed.

· Worked with Iwi and our colleagues at Greater Wellington Regional Council to enhance the Waikanae River, and progressed work towards the de-silting of the Waikanae River.

Working Together

For us to thrive as a District, the Council needs to work effectively together, with Iwi and the community.

I created a governance structure which means that more discussions happen in open, advertised meetings, and the vast majority of our discussions and workshops are live streamed and open to the public.

Our Vision Kāpiti work means we have a clear view of what our residents want for the future, thank you to the over 2000 people who’ve given us your ideas.

The five Community Boards have all been active and strong, helping us to focus on local aspirations and deliver projects which support all of our communities up and down the coast.

If you'd like to help with my campaign or if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out.