To Mayor Holborow,  the Chief Executive, Deputy Mayor Kirby, Councillors, Community Board representatives and Council staff,

Good morning,

Thank you again for the opportunity to speak on behalf of CALM, a community-based organisation made up of residents who are concerned by the continual erosion of our private property rights by Kapiti Coast District Council.

Imagine our surprise, whilst still reeling from the repercussions of the Takutai Kapiti’s Coastal Advisory Panel’s Recommendations, to learn that another Report has been undertaken in secrecy – this time by AWA Environmental.  And apparently to update flood maps using outdated data.   How much of the ratepayers’ hard-earned money has propped up this latest lemon?  And why were we not consulted on this beforehand?  We note it leans heavily on the Jacob’s Report which is an insult.  For several years now CALM and Coastal Ratepayers United have been emphasizing the shortcomings of that Report which is based on implausible science and unlikely scenarios.  Namely, the use of RCP8.5.  I mean how many times do we honestly have to say it?  It’s about as likely as a comet hitting the carpark outside.   As it’s only a vulnerability and susceptibility assessment it can’t even be used for planning purposes.  In other words, it isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.  Unlike the de Lange Report of course, which identifies only 49 properties at risk, and no threat to any others. I would also like to draw attention to the fact that CRU’s members raised $20,000 of their own money to commission the Report.  

At CALM’s third public meeting at Southwards a year ago, we highlighted how insurance companies were beginning to pull out of the Kapiti property market.  Mayor Holborow uttered those words ‘I’m just as shocked as you are’.  Well since then things have got a whole lot worse, and it will continue to do so now the flood maps are out, affecting 4,000 properties in our region.  In sheer desperation, many residents have approached CALM with comments such as:  we don’t understand why our property has been singled out and our neighbours haven’t, especially since we’re on higher ground than they are.  Many have never experienced ponding or flooding before,  yet are suddenly at imminent risk.  Others talk about ponding issues solely due to the fact that Council appears to have stopped clearing out stormwater drains.  Insurance retreat is happening in Kapiti in real time, and CALM hears distressing stories from many members of the public on a daily basis.  For example….

“Hi Tanya, my rental insurance went up 40% last year.  Was reduced to 30% with a discount.  I increased my excess to $1,000 to bring down the cost as well.  Cannot sustain annual hikes as I cannot increase rents at the same percentages that rates and insurance increase.  Increasing rent is very difficult in this market”.

Another resident wrote “the new insurance premium on our rental property is up 22% from last year’s 4% increase.  It’s the same property we have been insuring for over 20 years.  A friend said that their latest insurance renewal went up by 35% and this is in real time so they better use the right science to update their flood maps!”

Someone else said “I was just looking at alternative insurance companies (home and content) for comparisons with our current insurance company’s quote.  It’s not what it used to be, that’s for sure.   A question that popped up on the online form for State Insurance was: ‘according to your local Council, is your rental property at risk of flooding, inundation, land instability, falling debris, erosion or subsidence?’  The process was so frustrating, controlled and demanding personal details, that I put an end to it all”.  

And another….”I was just getting a quote from Tower for a property in Paekakariki- this is what came back – given details of location cannot offer cover May 2025″.

One property owner, a former accountant, told us that due to increased insurance costs on their property they had to cut back on other expenses, so disposable income such as supporting local cafes or other businesses suffers. 

And apparently, with some insurance companies, they say it’s not specifically about your individual property being at risk, but takes in the surrounding neighborhood.  We have also heard anecdotal evidence that one individual contacted seven insurance companies and only two would consider insuring her.  

If you combine this with the recent rates increases, you will see that you have created an environment of extreme financial hardship for those you are elected (or employed) to act in the best interests of.  

It seems the Council is hellbent on placing as many hazards as possible on Kapiti LIM reports.  And despite the claims that it won’t affect insurance, I think we can agree that ship has sailed.  As the AWA Environmental Report has seemingly not been peer-reviewed, CRU are currently trying to raise $5,000 for Dr de Lange to provide one.  If anyone in this room, in the public gallery, or listening on the livestream, feels they can contribute, it would be very much appreciated.  Details are on Coastal Ratepayers United’s website, or alternatively you can find them at kapiticalm.com.  Once again, it’s the community that’s having to protect its own properties from a Council that seems very apathetic to our concerns, and basic needs.  

Some of the Councilors will be seeking re-election, and this issue will become relevant.  On your own,  your voice can be much harder to hear,  but if you were to stand up with moral fibre and say enough is enough, then what a legacy you would be leaving.  You might even save your own property in the process.

Tanya Lees is on the committee of both CALM and Concerned Ratepayers Kapiti.

At yesterday’s meeting Tanya was allocated 5 minutes like everyone else. The present Mayor spent about 2 minutes of that challenging that this had anything to do with the Annual Plan. After relenting, the address continued — but Mayor Holborow abruptly stopped Tanya from finishing once 5 minutes were up. Such rudeness is typical, which shows why we need a new mayor. —Eds