Council sharpens its focus on what matters most

Feedback from more than 790 residents, community groups and stakeholders is helping Council sharpen its focus on what matters most as it begins developing its Long-term Plan 2027-37.

Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow says that with ongoing government reforms, amalgamation proposals and a proposed rates cap creating uncertainty for local government, understanding community priorities has never been more important.

“We know every dollar counts for households and for Council. We also know we can’t afford to do everything,” says Mayor Holborow.

“That’s why we asked our community to help test the priorities and planning principles that will guide the development of our next Long-term Plan.

“The feedback has given us a clearer picture of what matters most to people, where we’re on the right track, and where we need to sharpen our focus.”

Council received more than 790 survey and submission responses, alongside feedback gathered through community pop-ups, events and targeted engagement sessions. The engagement explored eight proposed community priorities and five planning principles that will help shape Council’s Long-term Plan 2027-37.

Overall, respondents supported the proposed direction, while also identifying areas that need greater emphasis, including environmental stewardship, economic development and local job creation, accessibility, and ensuring Council’s priorities better reflect its commitment to mana whenua partnerships and Te Tiriti.

Councillor Rob McCann, chair of Council’s engagement focus group, says the engagement provided valuable insight into what people expect from Council as it plans for the future.

“People told us they want Council to focus on the basics, manage money carefully, and make sure communities have a genuine voice in decision-making.

“We also heard strong support for protecting core services and being transparent about how decisions are made and what happens next.

“It’s not business as usual anymore,” Cr McCann said. “Costs are rising, expectations are changing and hard choices will be needed. This feedback gives us a stronger foundation for making those choices.”

The survey also explored how Council should balance service levels and affordability. While many respondents indicated they would consider some changes to services if it helped keep rates more affordable, views were mixed on a ‘user pays where it makes sense’ approach with some people raising concerns about ensuring Council services and facilities remain accessible for those on lower incomes.

Mayor Holborow says Council is acutely aware of the financial pressures facing households and the importance of maintaining access to essential Council services and community facilities.

“As we work through budgets, fees and charges, we’ll be looking carefully at how we can keep these services and facilities accessible while continuing to manage costs responsibly.”

Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils are required to prepare a Long-term Plan every three years. Council will now use the feedback to refine its community priorities and planning principles before engaging in more detailed analysis of services, activities and budgets.

Mayor Holborow says the next stage of work will focus on understanding Council’s obligations, the costs of delivering services and infrastructure, and where choices may need to be made.

“Our job is to make responsible decisions that balance affordability with the services and infrastructure our community relies on.

“We know there will be some difficult decisions ahead, but we continue to welcome feedback and remain committed to being transparent about the choices we face.

“We encourage everyone to have their say again when the draft Long-term Plan is released for formal consultation early next year.”

Read our Long-term Plan early engagement summary report [PDF 1.73 MB]