Annual Report reflects a year of delivery for Kāpiti Coast

Kāpiti Coast District Council adopted its Annual Report 2025/26 on Thursday 22 October, reflecting a year of investment in the services and facilities the community relies on.

The report covers Council’s financial performance and delivery against planned projects for the year 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow says despite cost pressures and ongoing central government reform Council maintained essential services and invested in infrastructure.

“Council’s work is about meeting our community’s needs today while building a resilient, liveable and thriving Kāpiti for future generations,” says Mayor Holborow.

Council delivered a $61.5 million capital works programme, including $30.2 million invested in drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks over the past year.

Major three waters projects ranged from pipeline renewals in Waitohu Valley and stage one of the Ōtaki wastewater network upgrade to flood relief works at Kenakena and upgrades to the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant.

“Alongside this investment, our Water Services Delivery Plan was endorsed, and work is well underway to establish our internal water services business unit to meet new legislative requirements,” says Mayor Holborow.

A further $12.4 million went into access and transport repairs, renewals and new initiatives such as shared paths in Waikanae and Te Horo.

Council also invested $11.7 million in community facilities, with construction starting on Te Ara Whetū, the new Waikanae library hub, and the Waikanae skatepark and playground refresh.

“Shaped by community input, these projects will give people places to learn, play and spend time together,” says Mayor Holborow.

Work also began on the Paekākāriki seawall replacement and stormwater flood modelling, emergency preparedness training, additional emergency water tanks and new solar energy systems for community buildings is supporting future resilience.

Beyond infrastructure, grants, events, libraries and parks supported community connection and Council strengthened its partnership with mana whenua, guided by Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti – He Whakaaetanga Hononga | Partnership Agreement.

The Annual Report 2025/26 shows Council achieved 87 percent of its non-financial performance measures. Of the actions supporting its top 10 priorities, 96 percent were on track.

Net debt (total borrowings less term deposits, borrower notes and cash) at 30 June 2026 was $299.5 million, representing 218 percent of revenue, up from 203 percent the previous year.

Mayor Holborow says affordability remains a significant challenge for Council and the community.

“As we develop the Long-term Plan 2027–37, our rates affordability report and community feedback from June will help us balance household pressures with maintaining services and renewing assets for a changing district.

“That means clear choices and open conversations about what we can and cannot continue to deliver.”

“We’ve valued hearing from our community over the past year and look forward to keeping that conversation going,” says Mayor Holborow.