Adoption of the Annual Plan : 29 May 2025

Read what transpired at the 29th May Council meeting mainly in relation to the next round of rates increase here – where you will also find a copy of our address to Council along with links to the recording of the full discussion of the Annual Plan Adoption.

We will of course be addressing other parts of the Annual Plan in the future.

No consultation on the 2025-2026 Annual Plan!!!

The Annual Plan will set out what next year’s rates increases will be and how the Council plans to spend the money.

The Council have already said it plans to increase rates by 7% next year, on top of this year’s 17% (average) increase.

The Council says it does not need to consult because it has decided that there are no significant or material differences from what was proposed in the long term plan.

We disagree.

Some of the significant or material differences include costs associated with the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy and the implementation of Local Water Done Well.

More importantly, rates increases are already hurting Kapiti residents. The Council should talk to the community before increasing rates even more.

We want to see how Council is exercising restraint and sticking to its core business.

We plan to hold a public meeting on Thursday 3rd April (details to follow) to lobby for open participation in decision making processes in changes that are coming in the next financial year.