Overview
The Kāpiti Coast is facing significant and growing housing access and affordability issues. Housing is a complex issue, and it’s not solely the responsibility of one organisation or sector. At Council, we know we don’t hold all the solutions to the housing crisis, but we want to play our part, advocate for the community, and help others do the same.
One of our key actions from the Kāpiti Coast District Council Housing Strategy was to look at how we can help more people access affordable housing in our district.
In 2024, Councillors established the Kāpiti Housing Solutions Trust (the Trust) an independent affordable housing trust to work with our iwi partners and other organisations to deliver affordable housing to those in need. A Trust Deed and Relationship Framework Agreement were signed on 11 December 2024. The Trust is a registered charity.
In June 2026 Council transferred 1.077 hectares of land, at 254 Rangiuru Road Ōtaki, to the Trust to be used to deliver affordable rental housing in Ōtaki.
The site at Rangiuru Road was purchased by Council in 2021 specifically for affordable and community housing. Since then, extensive feasibility and design work has been undertaken, in partnership with Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki.
In 2023, Council successfully secured $6.83 million in funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Affordable Housing Fund.
This funding was transferred to the Trust and will cover 50 percent of the development costs, supporting the construction of 21 affordable rental homes on the Rangiuru Road site. The Trust is responsible for raising the remaining 50 percent. The Trust is also actively pursuing additional funding to enable development of the full site – a total of 46 homes.
Trustees
Seven members have been appointed to the independent Trust. Their job is to help create more affordable housing options in the Kāpiti Coast District.
Alison Cadman (Board Chair) has worked in the community housing sector for 20 years. She is former chief executive of the Dwell Housing Trust, board member of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and trustee of the Newtown Ethical Lending Trust.
Murray Edridge is the Wellington City Missioner and is the Council appointee to the Trust. Kāpiti-based, he has held governance and leadership roles in business, community, church, and sporting organisations and has worked with children and families for many years, including as chief executive of Barnardos New Zealand and deputy chief executive in the Ministry of Social Development. He was ordained in 2023. Rev Edridge comes from a commercial background as a chartered accountant.
Kim Tahiwi (Ngāti Raukawa) represents Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti on the Trust. Kim is a kaiarahi (leader) representing Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast District’s independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board.
Cindy Foote brings 30 years of experience in property management to the Trust. She is the director/owner of local business Jade Property Management and has extensive networks in Kāpiti Coast District communities.
Greg Foster is territorial director of property and social housing with the Salvation Army. He has 25 years of experience working in governance and operational roles including Habitat for Humanity.
Waipuna Grace (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Ātiawa) is the kaiwhakahaere ratonga pakihi business services and community manager of Ngāti Toa community housing provider Te Āhuru Mōwai. She is also a member of the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Kotahitanga Board.
Phil Stroud is a Reikorangi based leader passionate about creating thriving, sustainable communities. With over 25 years’ experience in housing, water, and infrastructure projects across New Zealand, he’s known for turning big ideas into practical results that benefit both people and the environment. Phillip has led award-winning projects for Kāpiti Coast District Council and helped deliver thousands of new homes through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.