Kāpiti Mayor to community: your voice must shape what comes next

Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow says it is encouraging to hear recognition of the importance of local voice and identity in Wellington Mayor Andrew Little’s speech on the future of local government for Wellington City.

“We’ve been told councils do not need to consult communities on residents’ views. We do not agree, and we will not decide our next steps until we know what our community wants,” Mayor Holborow says.

“Kāpiti is in a strong position, but standing still is not an option when the world around us keeps changing.

“We need to hear from our community about how services should be delivered in the future, what matters most to them, and what needs to change. We’ll soon be inviting people to share their views through a survey to help guide our thinking.

“At the same time, Council is staying involved in regional discussions so our district’s priorities stay front and centre and all options remain open.”

Councils have until 9 August to develop and submit proposals to Government.

Mayor Holborow acknowledged councils are working to a tight timeframe as they engage with their communities.

“The Government’s proposal is a significant issue for a small community like ours, and we do not have all the answers yet.

“Hearing directly from our community gives us the best chance of protecting our local voice and district’s identity – an identity we are immensely proud of – as we work through this process,” Mayor Holborow says.

“There is still uncertainty, but whatever structural changes may come, we have a responsibility to keep planning for our district’s future and build on the momentum Kāpiti has created in recent years.”