I don’t want to see KCDC being forced by Wellington into amalgamation against our wishes through the head start process. I have advocated strongly for our region with the Prime Minister about this, and both relevant Ministers, and I’m very confident that our Government is doing the right thing with the right approach. 

To be very clear, there is no “proposal by the Government to force Kapiti into amalgamation with Wellington.” That is a Wellington City Council proposal and I oppose their proposal. Head start just provides an option for councils who choose to opt in.

However, there are lots of (interconnected) issues with local government at the moment, so I’ve tried to capture everything for you in one go…. You are welcome to share this.

We have to make life more affordable for every Kiwi household.

Every family has had to make difficult decisions about how and where they spend their money, we have to make difficult spending decisions as a responsible Government; Regional and District Councils should be no different.

Over the last two terms KCDC put up rates by 52%. That included a 17% increase in a single year. Imagine if Government put taxes up by 17% in one year or even 7%. That is exactly what KCDC did year after year, including with the current Labour Candidate chairing their finance committee and supporting these massive rate hikes. It has to stop.

Ratepayers expect councils to focus on delivering the services that matter most, while keeping costs under control. That’s why I support measures to cap excessive rates increases, drive greater financial discipline, and ensure councils are delivering value for money. Rate caps force every council to make the kind of tough decisions that we elect them make, and I can’t wait for this to come into law.

There are many examples of local councils (including regional council) making wasteful spending decisions, including GWRC and KCDC. We can keep rates under control and focus on the basics if we choose to. I am focussed on helping by supporting National’s law changes to cap rates increase.

Amalgamation is also a very important issue for Kapiti. Wellington, Porirua and the Hutt asked for a faster path to help them amalgamate, as they had tried for years and not been able to. Our Government responded to these councils (and many others) asking for a faster path to amalgamate, and I support offering that option to councils who choose to opt in. Where amalgamation can reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for communities, it should be seriously considered. 

I don’t think the long-term solution can be over 70 councils in New Zealand. For example, Kapiti has a Mayor, 10 councillors and 20 community board members for a population of 55,000. Auckland have one councillor for every 90,000 residents. So there is room to improve efficiency.

I have always been open to amalgamation of Kapiti and Horowhenua, and I still am. I have also been told by elected representatives in both regions they also supported amalgamation, and wanted Government to support them to make it easier for them. While I support considering our options, I’m also told that Wellington Mayor Andrew Little wasn’t willing to put in a proposal without including Kapiti which is disappointing and not our intent – all options should be on the table to consider. I don’t want to see Kapiti forced through the head start process simply because Wellington want us against our wishes. I have advocated strongly with decision makers on behalf of all Kapiti residents. I am confident Kapiti is in the best hands with the current Government and our wider local government policy. This will let Kapiti put all options on the table without being dictated to by Wellington City Council. That was always the intent. Head start is primarily about opting in. 

I am also firmly of the belief that we are better without the duplication of regional and local councillors. I support a unitary council that covers Kapiti (or Horowhenua-Kapiti etc). Public transport can be easily managed across regions like we do now with the Capital Connection. Life without GWRC will be a good thing.

KCDC chose to go-it-alone with water which our Government allowed despite a general preference to see councils working together, ie. with Horowhenua. KCDC have told us going alone is cheaper in the short-term, but may not be long term. KCDC has also said their preferred option is a unitary council for only Kapiti, or possibly amalgamating with Horowhenua, but they want to combine with Wellington on spatial plans. I want to ensure we get the best long-term decision for our community, not just a short-term remedy. I don’t want to see ratepayers landed with big costs in years to come if we get this wrong now.

The biggest concern of amalgamation I have heard is the cost of water. Kapiti residents tell me they do not want to pay for the cost of fixing Wellington’s pipes, particularly when Wellington City Council prioritised money into bike lanes and fancy public toilets instead of pipes and water treatment. We have water meters already, and have invested in pipes more recently. I have asked the Chief Executive of Tiaki Wai to meet with me to discuss the concerns of ratepayers in Porirua and Kapiti, and I have met with the Board Chair of Tiaki Wai to discuss this. He has given an undertaking that regardless of which option KCDC choose for water in the future, Kapiti costs can be ring-fenced, and Kapiti ratepayers will not pay for the cost of fixing Wellington, but only for the local costs incurrwed in Kapiti. I would like to see that as a bottom-line for any future council arrangements. That is not to say I want Kapiti to be part of Tiaki Wai, but I have always worked hard to cover all potential options so whatever KCDC decide as their preference I could ensure I had sought the best conditions for our local ratepayers.

I do believe Kapiti can have an affordable council, with spending under control, rates increases capped, and local water done well. I will continue to fight for our community to ensure ratepayers are prioritised, and their hard-earned rates treated with respect.

Kind regards, Tim Costley

MP for Ōtaki