Over half the sitting mayors in the country were ousted in this election but Kāpiti, Horowhenua, and Porirua Mayors were all re-elected by comfortable margins.
Re-elected Mayor of Kāpiti Janet Holborow says she’s looking forward to continuing to lead a council which is in a strong position.
“We’ve created a strong financial strategy, and we’ve been progressing essential infrastructure projects, including the Ōtaki reservoirs and the upgrade of the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant.”
She says community facilities are important and highlights achievements over the past three years.
“We’ve started construction on the Waikanae Library, opened Toi Mahara and upgraded the Civic Theatre in Ōtaki.”
Mayor Holborow says she is also satisfied with Council’s ability to meet their requirements during challenging times.
“We delivered our Long-term Plan on time during difficult times, and I’m grateful to staff and elected members for getting that across the line.”
She says improved resilience has been feature of her term as Mayor.
“Our Council’s capability to deal with natural disasters is stronger than ever before, with extra staff trained for response.
“We’ve also continued to support community strength and resilience, and I’m so proud of all the people in the community who’ve helped to build resilient communities.”
Mayor Holborow says she’s led a positive council and hopes that will continue into the next term, and identifies the rates rises and concerns around intensification as issues that need to be addressed in the next term.
“The rates rises over the past few years and the intensification of areas across the district have been a result of Central Government legislation, and I don’t think that’s widely understood,” she says.
“We need to continue to find savings to keep rates as low as possible while delivering the facilities that people want and need. That’s going to be a big ask.”
She says Regional cooperation is important.
“If we’re to achieve the efficiencies required to reduce rates, we need to be working with our neighbours to the north and the south to work together and share services.”
Mayor Holborow says she’s grateful to have another term.
“I’m so inspired by my community, and I look forward to spending another three years working alongside the individuals and organisations that make Kāpiti such a great place to live and work.”
She says that as some results are unclear until the final votes are counted, she will be waiting for final results to confirm her preference for Deputy Mayor and other council positions.
With 95% of the vote in Mayor Holborow has a 1017 vote majority over nearest challenger Rob McCann who was elected as a district-wide councillor along with other mayoral rival Liz Koh.