06/06/2026
Next Thursday, Council will confirm the Annual Plan.
We know that keeping costs as low as possible is important to many households. Some of you may have recently seen Porirua City Council's announcement of a "0% rates increase". However, when water charges are included, the total cost to the average household could still increase by around 5–7%, depending on the property's current rates bill.
The reality is that Porirua has done a good job of keeping rates increases down, but a "0%" rates increase does not necessarily mean a "0%" increase in the total amount households pay. When water charges are included, the overall increase may be comparable to, or even higher than, Kāpiti Coast District Council's proposed 6.5% increase, which includes water services.
Your KCDC councillors are very aware that many residents believe rates are already too high and that we cannot continue with business as usual.
That's why the Long Term Plan process we are about to begin is so important. It will give our community the opportunity to help shape Council's priorities and guide how we do things DIFFERENTLY over the next decade.
Councillors on both the Finance and Engagement Committees are working hard on a plan to ensure residents have a genuine opportunity to tell us what services they want Council to provide, how important those services are, and the level of service they expect. That feedback will help shape the Long Term Plan and the projected rates required to deliver it.
The pre-engagement process we are about to begin will help determine what is included in the draft Long Term Plan and the issues we formally consult on.
We expect affordability will be one of the most important considerations for our community, although it will not be the only one.
I encourage everyone to take part in the engagement process when it begins. The choices we make will help shape Kāpiti's future, and the best decisions will be made when they are informed by a broad range of community voices and perspectives.
First we have to pass the Annual Pan on Thursday, and then stay tuned for details as to how we will engage on creating real change.
Rob McCann
KCDC District Wide Councillor