WHO WE ARE

Concerned Ratepayers Kapiti is a grassroots community group fighting for fair and sustainable rates on the Kāpiti Coast. With rates set to increase by 115% over the next decade, we’re standing up for residents facing unprecedented financial pressure.

More details on how this will impact you can be found here

OUR FOCUS

We advocate for:

• Responsible financial management of council resources
• Protection of essential community services
• Fair distribution of costs between current and future ratepayers
• Transparent decision-making in council operations

OUR GOALS

• Raise awareness of and promote more community led, transparent and democratic involvement in KCDC activities.
• Reducing the projected (and unreasonable) rate increases
• Ensuring the KCDC operates within a reasonable and transparent budget and gets its spending under control, by lobbying for lower rate increases as part of the upcoming annual planning process
• Using a panel of experienced and knowledgeable locals to develop alternatives to the long term plan that affect us all
• Supporting Coucillors who will put the community’s views and interests first
• Promoting community involvement and awareness of Council activities

OUR CONCERNS

• Unsustainable rates increases – now and into the future
• Politically aligned councillors
• Councillors not listening to and valuing the people they serve
• Lack of information and little transparency of decision making
• Democratic process not being fully followed
• Too much focus and money spent on non-core activities
• Ideology ahead of practicality and democracy
• Lack of true consultation when decisions have already been made

OUR NETWORK

We complement the efforts of other community groups including:

• Coastal Ratepayers United (CRU), who focus on coastal hazard risks
• Kapiti C.A.L.M (Calm Alarmist Law Madness), who advocate for evidence-based climate change responses

OUR COMMITMENT

We believe in empowering residents with knowledge, tools, and opportunities to influence council decisions that affect their financial wellbeing and community’s future. Join us in building a more accountable, transparent, and financially responsible Kāpiti Coast.

OUR CORE TEAM

We have a core group of 9 community members driving this group and a team of residents providing help and support.

Our core team comes with considerable experience and expertise in governance, public administration, public sector reform, policy development, strategic management, institutional development, public service, journalism, infrastructure, small business, administration, Government financial management and budgeting, economics, NZ and international Council employment.

More importantly we are residents – both homeowners and renters, residing in all areas of the Kapiti Coast – Paekakariki, Raumati, Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Otaki.

Our current committee comprises of:
Michael Papesch, Sue Taylor, John Andrews, Isabelle Maloret, David Wyatt, Chris Harwood, Geoff Churchman, Donald and Kathryn Ennis Carter.

If you would like to know more about our team please contact us