Annual Report reflects commitment to staying the course

Kāpiti Coast District Council adopted its Annual Report 2024/25 and Summary at its last Council meeting for the triennium on Thursday 18 September.

The report describes how Council has taken steps to build a more resilient future for Kāpiti and how it has performed against planned works and projects set out in the first year of its Long-term Plan 2024-34.  

Mayor Janet Holborow says despite a shifting operating environment including ongoing central government reforms, rising costs, and the challenges of growth and a changing climate, Council has stayed the course and achieved a lot over the past year.  

“Council achieved or set baselines for 91 percent of strategic impact measures and 90 percent of level of service measures during the reporting year. 89 percent of the top 10 priority actions we committed to progressing are on track. 

View the draft Annual Report 2024/25 and summary in the Council meeting agenda. The finalised report will be available on our website soon.

“This includes advancing work to address inland flooding, progressing climate change initiatives, investigating an Urban Design Panel, and establishing the Kāpiti Housing Solutions Trust,” Mayor Holborow said.

“We also produced a new walking and cycling network plan, implemented our workforce plan and have worked closely with the Kāpiti Health Advisory Group to advocate for our district’s health needs.”

Council maintained a prudent financial approach in line with its financial strategy throughout the reporting year, achieving an operating surplus largely in line with budget. Net debt (total borrowings less term deposits, borrower notes, and cash) on 30 June 2025 was $269.9 million, representing 203 percent of net debt to revenue – an improved ratio compared with the previous year.

Risk and Assurance Committee Chair David Shand said the Annual Report reflects the Council's high standard of reporting on its financial and service delivery performance. 

Capital spend for the 2024/25 financial year was $63.2 million with strong progress made on several large infrastructure projects. 

“Major milestones for the year include the completion of the 5.5 million litre Ōtaki reservoir in June which is part of a broader programme of works to strengthen community resilience. The upgrade of the MacLean Park skatepark and amenity block, and Blue Bluff slip repairs were also completed,” Mayor Holborow said. 

 “We also delivered upgrades to the Hautere, Rangiuru, Tasman Road, Paekākāriki water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants in Paraparaumu and Ōtaki, and pushed forward design work for Te Ara Whetū (the new library hub for Waikanae) and the upgrade of the Waikanae Park skatepark and playground.”  

Mayor Holborow said Council also navigated some big decisions throughout the reporting year, including resolving to retain the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services in-house, reaffirming its decision to establish a Māori ward, and confirming representation arrangements for the new triennium.  

“Ensuring the voice of our community is heard is critical to informing good Council decision making and I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who took the opportunity to get involved.

“I also want to acknowledge the mahi of our elected members, iwi partners, independent council committee members, dedicated staff, advisory groups, and key stakeholders who have supported Council to finish the financial year in a strong position.”