Kāpiti Coast District Council inaugurated for 2025–2028 triennium
31 Oct 2025
Kāpiti Coast District Council was officially inaugurated last night at its first meeting of the new triennium, held at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti in Raumati.
Mayor Janet Holborow made her formal declaration of office, followed by declarations from all councillors. Community Board members from Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati also read their declarations, with Paekākāriki and Ōtaki members to do so at their inaugural meetings.
A key item on the agenda was the appointment of Councillor Martin Halliday as Deputy Mayor of Kāpiti Coast District Council. The appointment was made by Mayor Holborow under the powers provided for in the Local Government Act 2002.
During her Inaugural Address, Mayor Holborow acknowledged the contribution of elected members during the previous term and thanked those who had stood for election.
“Your willingness to serve is an inspiration to others, and it was wonderful that our community had a wide and varied choice of candidates right across the district,” said Mayor Holborow.
She acknowledged the contribution of iwi partners and paid tribute to the late Koro Don Te Maipi, noting his enduring impact on the community and the Council’s relationship with Mana Whenua.
“One of the highlights of the last term which he was part of was refreshing our partnership agreement with Mana Whenua, and I look forward to strengthening and building our relationship over the next three years,” she said.
Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai led the pōwhiri, and Council was supported by Council Kaumātua Alby Ellison and Kuia Lois McNaught.
Congratulating newly elected members, Holborow said they’d met over the past few days to discuss their aspirations for the future.
“I’m so excited about the new elected members and what everyone brings to the role. The talent, skill, passion and dedication in the group of people is incredible – Kāpiti is in good hands,” she said.
Mayor Holborow particularly recognised the election of Councillor Himiona Grace as the district’s first Māori Ward councillor, and reflected on the result of the Māori Ward referendum.
“With a Māori Ward in place alongside our partnership with Mana Whenua, we can uphold our obligations under Te Tiri o Waitangi and address the wrongs of the past which resonate in the present,” she said.
Mayor Holborow highlighted the pressures of Central Government Reform and the need to cater for a growing community as key challenges for the next term.
“As Kāpiti continues to grow, we need to deliver the infrastructure and facilities needed for our community while keeping rates as low as possible.”
“This is no easy task and we need to build our partnerships with stakeholders and think creatively about how we deliver the assets and services our community needs,” she said.
Mayor Holborow congratulated Councillor Halliday on his appointment as Deputy Mayor, acknowledging his hard work as a councillor and his long-term efforts advocating for all people.
The next meeting of Council will be held in Council Chambers on 6 November 2025, where Council will set its committee structure for the term.