The role of Council
We work with communities across the Kāpiti Coast District to support social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing.
We provide essential services and infrastructure for communities from Ōtaki in the north to Paekākāriki in the south. This includes roads, water services, parks, libraries, planning, community facilities, and environmental management.
We also work alongside iwi partners, community groups, businesses, and government agencies to support long-term outcomes for the Kāpiti Coast.
We operate under New Zealand legislation, including the Local Government Act 2002, which guides how councils make decisions and work with communities.
Our main focus areas
Infrastructure
- Access and transport – Putanga me te waka
- Coastal management – Whakahaere takutai
- Stormwater – Wai āwhā
- Water – Wai
- Wastewater – Wai para
- Sustainability and resilience – Toiūtanga me te manawaroatanga
Our vision | Toitū Kāpiti
Our vision is:
Supporting sustainable development and communities by a strengthened focus on place, people, and partnership.
This vision guides our priorities, planning, and investment decisions.
Place
Our place is resilient and liveable for current and future generations.
People
Tāngata (people) are supported to live, work and play in our district.
Partnership
We partner with others to connect, facilitate, and advocate for the good of all in Kāpiti.
Executive management
Our Chief Executive leads the organisation and is accountable to elected members. Seven Group Managers support the Chief Executive and are responsible for delivering services across the district.
| Role | Name |
| Chief Executive | Darren Edwards |
| Group Manager – Infrastructure & Asset Management | Sean Mallon |
| Group Manager – Strategy & Growth | Kris Pervan |
| Group Manager – Customer & Community | Brendan Owens |
| Group Manager – Iwi Partnerships | Hara Adams |
| Group Manager – Corporate Services | Mark de Haast |
| Group Manager – People & Capability | Rach Wells |
Our elected members
Elected members include Mayor Janet Holborow, Councillors, and Community Board members.
They are responsible for:
- representing communities across the district
- making decisions on behalf of residents and ratepayers
- setting our strategic direction
- approving plans, policies, and budgets.
Local elections are held every three years.
The district we serve
The Kāpiti Coast District stretches along the western coast of the lower North Island, from Ōtaki in the north to Paekākāriki in the south.
The district includes coastal towns, urban centres, rural communities and everything in between.
Note: Some Council rules and services differ between towns. Where this is the case, it is clearly noted on the relevant service page.
Ōtaki – Northernmost town; some services and rules differ here (e.g. rubbish collection days, dog beach hours)
Te Horo – Rural and lifestyle areas north of Waikanae
Waikanae – Including Waikanae Beach; major residential community
Paraparaumu – The district’s main commercial and service centre; location of the main Council office
Raumati – Coastal community south of Paraparaumu
Paekākāriki – Southernmost town; some parking and beach rules differ here
How decisions are made
We use a structured governance system to make decisions for the Kāpiti Coast District.
- Elected members set direction, policies, and budgets
- Council and committee meetings are where decisions are discussed and formally approved
- Public consultation allows the community to have input on important issues through consultation and engagement processes.
- Council staff provide professional advice and carry out decisions and services across the district.
This process ensures decisions are transparent, informed, and reflect community views.
Future outlook
We continue to plan for population growth, climate resilience, infrastructure investment, and community wellbeing across the district.
Long-term planning and partnerships with iwi, government agencies, businesses, and the community help guide future development across the Kāpiti Coast.