Kāpiti Coast District Council’s 2025/26 Annual Plan will progress the projects and strategies in last year’s Long-term plan with only minor amendments made in response to national and global impacts.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says Council has embarked on a financial strategy to actively reduce Council debt to build resilience and is staying on this course.

The strategy requires rates increases of 7 percent each year for 10 years to reduce Council’s debt by a total of $153 million, building its capacity to respond to natural disasters and maximise growth opportunities.

Despite rising costs in the last year, the overall rates increase will be 6.9 percent for 2025/26. Actual rate increases for each property will depend on its value, type, and location.

“Between new unfunded mandates from central government and higher energy and maintenance costs it certainly hasn’t got any cheaper to deliver Council services,” Mayor Holborow says.

“With 72 percent of our operating costs coming from rates we are always focused on making sure every dollar is spent on what matters most.

“Like everyone in the current climate we’ve had to take a very close look at our budgets so we can keep rates to the level agreed last year. We’ve found savings of $3.1 million, without which the rates increase would have been closer to 10 percent.

“To do this we’ve done things like reduce staff headcount, cut roading work that is no longer subsidised by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, cut or deferred grant funding and cut costs in office facilities.”

Mayor Holborow says these changes won’t impact service delivery and Council will still be delivering a significant capital works programme over the year, investing $77 million in the Kāpiti Coast’s future.

Projects that will progress include upgrades to the Paraparaumu wastewater treatment plant and the Waikanae water treatment plant, completing the Ōtaki water reservoir and progressing Te Ara Whetū (the new library for Waikanae).

“We’re striking a balance between delivering the infrastructure and services we need now, keeping rates affordable and making sure we are in a strong position in the future.”

Under the Local Government Act, councils are not required to consult on an annual plan if it does not include significant or material differences from the content of the LTP for that year.

“The minor amendments made in response to national and global impacts and identified savings do not trigger the need to consult under the Local Government Act or Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

“There’s also a cost attached to consultation which is why we are being prudent and have made the decision not to formally consult. Instead, we’ll be making information available to people using our available Council channels and welcome feedback that can be used to inform future plans and work.”

A public briefing on the Annual Plan will be held on Tuesday 6 May. The final Annual Plan will be brought to Council for adoption on 29 May 2025.

Find out more at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/annualplan.

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