Uncategorized
-
2026 Annual Plan – KCDC Loses Control of its Costs – Again – And WE Are The Ones Who Pay
📣 PUBLIC MEETING – Sunday 1st March Concerned about rising rates? Wondering what’s really going on behind the numbers? Come and hear what hasn’t been clearly explained — and why it matters to you. This is your chance to understand the process, ask questions, and decide for yourself whether this is good financial management —…
-
When Councils Cry Foul: What’s Really Driving Rates in Kāpiti?
Kapiti’s mayor, Janet Holborow, wrote an article in The Post over the long weekend complaining about one of the current Government’s most popular policies, rates capping. Her basic argument – see https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/360932799/rates-capping-wont-fix-whats-really-driving-costs – is that Councils are the hapless victims of cost pressures outside of their control, burdened by changes in Government policy and “…
-
Kapiti Ratepayers: Big Decisions Are Coming — and We’re Paying Attention
We hope you managed to slow down, reset, and enjoy some quality time with family and friends over the Christmas–New Year break. While many were recharging, Concerned Ratepayers Kapiti has kicked off the year with our first meeting — and there’s no shortage of big issues already on the table. Here’s what we’ll be focusing…
-
A constructive and encouraging meeting with Council — but still plenty of work ahead.
On Wednesday, Mayor Janet Holborow, Deputy Mayor Martin Halliday, and Councillors Bede Laracy and Liz Koh met with us to discuss the briefing we sent in November. The discussion was thoughtful, respectful, and engaging — a positive sign that Council is willing to listen and consider community perspectives. However, while the tone was encouraging, we…
-
The devil is in the detail — Getting Serious About Affordable Rates
Back in November, we sent the newly elected Kāpiti Coast District Council a detailed briefing laying out a practical pathway to more affordable rates, stronger financial discipline, and genuine community engagement — not just slogans, but workable solutions. Here’s what was in it 👇 📉 Making rates affordableWe called for rates to be capped at…
-
BRIEFING TO THE NEW COUNCIL
A couple of weeks ago we provided the newly elected Kāpiti Coast District Council with a comprehensive briefing on how the district could move toward more affordable rates, better financial management, and genuine community engagement. The briefing called for: Rates Affordability: Capping rates at no more than 5% of median household income, with average annual increases held…
-
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – LET’S MAKE IT BETTER
One of the biggest themes to come out of the recent election was how Council engages with the community. Many candidates agreed that consultation often starts too late — after key options have already been decided — making public input feel tokenistic. Common ideas for improvement included: Involving the community earlier in planning processes Using…
-
Inflation hits at 3% — but rates are still rising nearly three times faster.
Stats NZ’s latest figures show annual inflation at 3%, right at the top of the Reserve Bank’s target range. Yet across New Zealand, local authority rates jumped 8.8%, making them one of the biggest drivers of inflation. (read the article here) When household budgets are under pressure and core inflation is still a challenge, a…
-
🚨 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! 🚨LESS THAN A WEEK LEFT to have your say in the 2025 Local Elections.
❓ Still undecided? Here’s how to get more insights to the candidates: ✅ CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE – see how candidates answered our 15 key questions (full responses + summaries) ✅ KCDC CANDIDATE PROFILES – check out the official list and search candidates on Facebook/web to learn more. ✅ MAYORAL DEBATE – watch it now and see…
-
CRK & THE MEDIA – Sunday Star Times article
We recently received detailed questions from the Sunday Star Times about our group’s origins, affiliations, and activities. Some members of the media and community are especially interested in how groups like ours are connected and organiSed. While these enquiries are a normal part of public scrutiny, at times they can shift attention away from the…
Concerned Ratepayers Kapiti 