Supporting economic development

The Kāpiti District Economic Development Strategy 2020–23 was adopted by Council on 30 July 2020. It provides a long-term roadmap for a thriving local economy, and ensures a coordinated and inclusive approach to economic development activity in the Kāpiti Coast District.

Strategy

The strategy outlines how we can work together to harness local knowledge, skills and resources while setting goals to help us make the best decisions. It was informed by a drafting group that included representatives from the business community and Council. The draft strategy went out for public consultation and had input from our iwi partners, key stakeholders and the wider public.

Kāpiti District Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan 2020–23 [PDF, 5.93 MB]
Consultation process.

The strategy identifies five key focus areas to achieve its Ngā Moemoea/Vision:

Whakapapa – positioning the Kāpiti Coast
Kaitiakitanga – open for opportunity
Whānau – growing skills and capability
Kotahitanga – strengthening partnerships and leadership
Manaakitanga – supporting key sectors.

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Governance

The independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board provides governance, unifying a strategic direction for economic activity for the district, governed by a Terms of reference.

The Board oversees the implementation and delivery of the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan 2020–23, and will build momentum and trust with key partners, stakeholders and the wider community.

Economic Development Kotahitanga Board Members:

Chris Claridge – Chief Executive of Potatoes NZ
Hillmarè Schulze – Chief Economist at BERL (Business and Economic Research Ltd)
Kim Tahiwi, Ngāti Raukawa – chartered accountant and Kaiarahi contracted to Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki
Neil Mackay - Board Chair
Rawiri Faulkner, Ngāti Toa Rangatira – consultant at Tū Taiao Ltd specialising in planning, policy, strategy and projects
Russell Spratt, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai – principal consultant with Jackson Stone and partners
Scott Houston – tech entrepreneur and futurist.

The Independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board
Left to right: Districtwide Councillor Angela Buswell, Kim Tahiwi (Ngāti Raukawa), Rawiri Faulkner (Ngāti Toa Rangatira), Hillmare Schulze, Neil MacKay (Chair), Chris Claridge, Scott Houston, and Russell Spratt (Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai).

Economic Development strategy drafting group

The Kāpiti District Economic Development Strategy 2020–23 was informed by a drafting group that included representatives from the business community and Council
Left to right: Darryn Grant (Acting Group Manager Place and Space) Heather Hutchings (past Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce), Liz Koh (past Chair of Kāpiti Economic Development Agency, KEDA), Jenna-Lee Philpott (Creative Kāpiti), Districtwide Councillor Angela Buswell and Leanna Hill (Acting Economic Development Manager).

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Destination Management Plan

The Destination Management Plan provides a long-term strategic framework to strengthen the Kāpiti visitor economy through sustainable development and visits. It brings the key elements of the industry together to guide tourism development, marketing and industry involvement, and improve visitor experience and infrastructure. The ultimate goal of the plan is to increase the value of the Kāpiti visitor economy.

The Economic Development Kotahitanga Board is responsible for implementing the plan, which was adopted by Council in September 2021. This includes pulling together a panel of stakeholders to work on this. Follow our news and information channels for updates.

Funding

Funding and resource for implementing the plan will come from a number of sources, including Council's existing economic development budget and WellingtonNZ. There may be opportunities to make specific funding requests to Tourism NZ as well.

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Economic insights

Data on Kāpiti's economic measures guide and inform the Kāpiti District Economic Development Strategy. These are provided to Council every quarter from Infometrics.

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