by Concerned Ratepayers Kapiti
On Wednesday, Mayor Janet Holborow, Deputy Mayor Martin Halliday, and Councilors 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 need to be honest: no commitments have yet been made that would reduce the projected rates path. Council also appears reluctant to consult on the Annual Plan, which could leave ratepayers facing another increase of around 7%, and the bigger decisions to substantially reduce the future level of rates risk being pushed down the road to the next Long Term Plan.
So yes — good dialogue. Promising engagement. But outcomes? Far too early to call.
That’s why it’s critical for residents to stay engaged and keep the pressure on to ensure we don’t simply see a repeat of last year’s 7% rise.
Keeping Rates at 3% — Real Options Are on the Table
We’ve outlined nine practical options KCDC could adopt to aim for average annual increases of around 3% from 2026/27, focused on controlling costs rather than expecting bailouts from central government.
Key examples include:
Linking budget limits to median income Holding core operating costs steady for three years Reviewing insurance, grants, and development spending Scrutinising the $785m capital programme Exploring more effective use of debt and fees
Individually modest — collectively meaningful. With the right leadership and public engagement, affordable rates are achievable.
We’ll continue the conversation — and continue holding Council to account.
If you missed/want to read what we presented to Council you can find it here…
Geoffrey comments: I was present and the meeting went better than I expected which is, as Izzy says, encouraging. There seems to be acceptance by the elected members present that “nice-to-have-but-non-essential’s” have to go, far too much goes on grants, particularly to the mandated tri-iwi, and that more self-insurance is possible and desirable. I would add in the “capital works program” section that contractors’ tenders are often too high and get accepted without challenge: they should be treated the same way as private enterprise would treat them: “please resubmit”.
Easy money is addictive no matter whether it’s government, drug dealers (legal & illegal) or whoever. Remember Guru’s first meeting as Mayor? The first order of business was a pay rise for elected members. Having access to supposed unlimited funds seems to do something to people. It is human to want more. As an Otakian & a car driver I would like to see our local township roads maintained to a higher standard. Our road failures are many and growing. I have talked to some members of our community board and certain promises have been made. These may be fulfilled in time. Another issue is the remedial work being done by Mills & Albert on Mill Road & Aotaki Street after pipe laying. While most of their hotmix work is good enough that does not hold for the tar sealing they have done. Holes appear at the edges which are then left or overfilled with hotmix.
The fault lies with the contractors employers who sign off on substandard work which will only cost ratepayers going forward.
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.