Kāpiti hopeful door remains open in regional reform

Despite Kāpiti making its position clear, the Wellington Region Mayoral Forum has today agreed to push forward with its “supercity” Head Start Pathway proposal for the region. 

Mayor Janet Holborow said this has been a challenging process for everyone involved.

"It's disappointing that our position isn't reflected in the proposal for the Wellington region but we will be exploring all avenues to form a Unitary Authority to ensure our local voice is maintained and our strong position as a district isn't eroded.

"We've done the analysis and we know our district is well placed to form a Unitary Authority and we don't agree that the economies of scale which are hoped for will be realised through this or any amalgamation," the Mayor said.

Mayor Holborow acknowledged the need to work across the region on important activities such as spatial planning and public transport, but said amalgamation is not necessarily the best way to deliver those services.

“We firmly believe that best approach is one that supports “regional where it adds value, local where it matters most” and we will continue to advocate for a simpler structure that will improve coordination on regional issues and ensure local representation, connections and decision-making is not lost.” 

Because most of the regional population lives within Wellington, Porirua, and the Hutt Valley, the Wellington Region’s Head Start Pathway proposal, if agreed by Cabinet, would be binding for Kāpiti.

If the Wellington Regions Head Start Pathway proposal is not accepted by Ministers, Mayor Holborow said the “backstop” process would apply.

Mayor Holborow indicated that while Council would not be submitting a standalone HeadStart Pathway proposal, the Mayoral Forum has agreed to reflect Kāpiti’s position in the Wellington regions proposal to be submitted by 9 August.

Council also plans to write independently to Ministers, the opposition party, and local members of parliament to make its preferred model known.

Carterton and Masterton have also signalled an intention to submit a proposal for a Unitary Authority for Wairarapa, however a single Council is not allowed to submit a proposal under the Head Start process.

Cabinet is expected to make an in principle decision on Head Start Pathways proposals following assessment before the general election.

Mayor Holborow said Council will not undertake any further work to advance planning for detailed design on a preferred option until Cabinet decisions are confirmed.  

Notes to editors: please find below Kāpiti Coast District Council’s position statement as shared with the Wellington Region Mayoral Forum today.

Kāpiti Coast District Council Position Statement, Wellington Region Head Start Pathway Proposal

Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC) does not support the proposed single unitary authority model for the Wellington region. KCDC considers that a sub-regional unitary authority model is more appropriate to reflect communities of interest, local identity and decision making, and the feedback received from our community.

KCDC requests that the Head Start Pathway Proposal be amended to replace the proposed single Wellington-wide unitary authority with a sub-regional unitary authority model, including a North-Western Unitary Authority incorporating Kāpiti Coast District. The model may comprise two to three unitary authorities across the wider Wellington and Wairarapa region, reflecting communities of interest and the preferences of participating councils and communities. KCDC would support the Head Start Pathway Proposal if provision is made for a North-Western Unitary Authority within the overall regional proposal.

KCDC acknowledges that the governance arrangements for other parts of the region, including the Wellington metropolitan area and Wairarapa, are matters for those councils and communities to determine. KCDC respects the ability of each sub-region to adopt governance structures that best reflect local circumstances and aspirations.

KCDC does not support the use of community councils within a North-Western Unitary Authority and considers that a directly elected unitary authority would provide stronger local accountability and decision-making. However, KCDC acknowledges that other sub-regions may determine community councils are appropriate within their own governance arrangements.

KCDC supports the transfer of regional council functions into future unitary authorities and recognises that further detailed design work is required to determine how those functions are delivered, governed, and shared across the region to achieve efficiency, resilience, and value for communities.

KCDC also considers the proposed timeframe for detailed design to be highly compressed and insufficient. Time should be allowed for robust analysis, modelling, governance design, community consultation and transition planning to ensure successful implementation.

In summary, the Kāpiti Coast District Council:

• Does not support a single Wellington-wide unitary authority.
• Supports a sub-regional unitary authority model.
• Requests inclusion of a North-Western Unitary Authority in the Head Start Proposal.
• Supports the wider Head Start proposal if a North-Western Unitary Authority is included.
• Does not support community councils within a North-Western Unitary Authority.
• Supports devolving regional council functions to unitary authorities, with shared services and functions considered where appropriate.
• Supports detailed design informed by evidence, communities of interest, and community feedback.
• Considers additional time may be required to undertake robust detailed design and transition planning.