Mayoral, District-wide, and Ward election aspirants were well quizzed on economic issues at the Kāpiti Business Chamber candidates meeting at the Paraparaumu Rugby Clubrooms on Wednesday night.

The meeting, very well MC’d by the entertaining Andre Neill, deviated from the norm where candidates spend most of the time talking about themselves. This time there was a very brief intro by all candidates then it was straight into questions, largely on economic development.

First up were the two Greater Wellington candidates – Penny Gaylor and Sam Ferguson.

On the question – Should Kāpiti keep paying $500,000 a year to WellingtonNZ – Ms Gaylor said yes while Mr Ferguson said he had real concerns that Kāpiti is not getting value for its investment. Second question was how the candidates would uplift Kāpiti businesses. Mr Ferguson said we need to ensure local contractors are being used on major projects and the public transport network needs to be reliable and affordable. Ms Gaylor said GW used local contractors on the recent gravel work on the Waikanae River and added the new trains in 2030 will help our community.

Next up the Ward candidates who faced the question do you support Council’s current economic strategy. As expected there were a variety of answers but the general consensus was it was not affordable. Deputy mayor Lawrence Kirby said he had given it support but there were now some serious concerns about the cost with undefined returns. The three Raumati-Paekākāriki candidates Bede Laracy, Zelda Edwards, and Richard Young all said No. Ms Edwards said supporting the major events has paid off so investing in the right places is important. Mr Laracy said the strategy was wrong and the current EDKB board had reappointed themselves, against advice.

Gavin Welsh said economic development is critical but the focus should be on partnerships, including with government departments, but this should not come at a cost to ratepayers. Chris Harwood was also a No, adding there is some great stuff going on but we need to have another look at the strategy. Joanne Welch was a No and said there was not enough accountability. Jocelyn Prvanov said the strategy required more oversight by elected members and Murray Lobb said Council needed to focus on core services and their role is to ease the path for new businesses to set up in Kāpiti.

On the question of how would you support town centres there was again a variety of responses. Mr Kirby said each town needs to be an enabler and we need to support our local business community. Euon Murrell said many retailers are struggling and having good amenities helps bring customers/visitors. Ms Welch said we are over regulated and planning needs to enable businesses to operate and there are too many compliance requirements. Nigel Wilson supported business associations who knew the local issues. Ms Prvanov supported business associations and said council staff need to listen to local business associations. Mr Laracy also support more funding being made available for local business associations. Ms Edwards said it was important to make sure businesses were disability accessible. Mr Young pointed to Paekākāriki as being successful in attracting visitors. He advocates for a new car park there. Paul Baggott said it is important to attract government departments to locate here as 13,000 commute to Wellington daily. Chris Harwood said the Town Centre construct was old thinking and the way to attract people is when something is on, such as markets. Glen Olsen said the focus needs to be wider than just town centres.

Next – What would you do to encourage Tech businesses to set up in Kāpiti? Mr Olsen, an IT specialist, said it was vital to attract IT businesses and infrastructure and amenities were crucial to this. Ms Edwards said we had some great examples here including Maoriland Tech Hub. She said it was important to fund the right people and projects. Mr Kirby said there has been a lift in the tech space with the development of a tech cluster. He said we need to build the right environment for tech businesses. Mr Welsh said it was critical to have a council that is open and welcoming to new businesses. Ms Prvanov said there are many opportunities for tech sector businesses here.

A well earned break and then the Mayors took the stage.

First question – what is your business experience?

Liz Koh has an impressive business resume and said she is fighting hard for economic development. Mayor Janet Holborow was introduced as the ‘reigning champion and ‘gold medalist’ from last time. She said business development is vital for the wellbeing of our communities. Kim Hobson said he has been in business since 1984. Martin Halliday had owned three companies and had chaired a business association, while Dean Harris is a qualified builder and had an importing business from China.

Next – what is your leadership style?

Mr Harris said he has a listening approach and there are three sides to every story. Mr Halliday said he was inclusive and has an open mind. Mr Hobson said his style was collaborative based on trust and honesty. Ms Holborow said her first leadership role was as chair of the Paekākāriki Community Board ‘in a community full of leaders’. She said it was the same at council where everyone elected is a leader and it is important for the mayor to understand the aspirations of those elected. Ms Koh said her leadership style is based on having a shared vision. Rob McCann said his leadership style would have no spin and not try to fool the people all the time. He would make sure he communicated with all of the councillors.

How would you control wasteful spending?

Mr McCann said he disagreed with some of the council decisions and said they had been too quick to rubber-stamp government directions. Ms Koh said everything the council does is important but it is all about defining priorities. She said the challenge is in partnering with external organisations. Ms Holborow said ‘every Annual Plan and Long Term Plan we go through costs with a fine tooth comb’. She said the last annual plan process resulted in savings of $3.1million. Mr Hobson said spending is not out of control as some perceived it. He said the debt was too high and said revenue from his waste management plan was important. Mr Halliday said the previous triennium was unconstructive and now with the new CE things are working much better. Mr Harris said grants spending was far too high and the economic development spending of $31million over the next 10 years made no sense at all.

Will you preserve Kāpiti Airport?

Ms Koh said it is in private hands and it is up to them what they do with it. She said Air Urban are looking for ratepayer support and was not in favour of that. Mr McCann said it was not council’s role to play – they are private owners. Ms Holborow said we don’t own local business but we support and champion them. She said the community love our local airport and while we can’t control it we can support it. Mr Hobson said he fully support what is there now and would support avionics development. Mr Halliday said it stopped being a traditional airport when AirNZ pulled out. Mr Harris said once its gone its gone forever and would like see some tourism developed.

Questions from the audience included:

What would you do to attract more people to Kāpiti from Wellington? Mr Halliday said just wait until they get their first water bill down there.

How would you support the creative community?  Ms Koh said she would set up partnerships in the community and promote the creative cluster through the EDKB. Mr McCann said they had nothing under the major events fund and we needed to promote the arts. Ms Holborow said we are already doing a lot with support for the Art Trail and the partnerships that had resulted in Te Raukura, Mahara Gallery, and the Waikanae Library as well as working with Maoriland and many other projects.

What are you two top priorities excluding rates?

Mr Halliday said – Become a unitary authority independent of Greater wellington, and lobby Health NZ. Mr Harris said – More bureaucracy…(roar from the crowd) before quickly  correcting himself to More democracy less bureaucracy. Mr Hobson, said pay down debt and increase revenue (not from rates). Ms Holborow said her two were – resilient communities, and strong finances and infrastructure. Mr McCann said he aims to win trust from the community who currently had no trust in council.

Do you support the Maori Ward and will you support keeping it in the referendum?

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes. On the second part of the question it was another round of Yes except for Mr Harris who said he had not yet made up his mind on the referendum vote.

Handshakes, backslaps, votes of thanks, and the promise of more to come.

The Kāpiti Business Chamber next candidates meeting is in Ōtaki on Wednesday 17^th 5.45pm, Ōtaki Sports Club, Haruatai Park, Mill Road, Ōtaki

“And when have we ever before had as many as 87 candidates standing for Kāpiti Coast local body positions, plus two more for Greater Wellington.

“When a city like Lower Hutt struggles to find enough people to fill the positions, why has Kāpiti unearthed so many candidates? Grey Power needs to remain impartial, but a local media spokesperson suggests that when you get lots of candidates it reflects dissatisfaction with what is going on. I guess the coming results will see whether the spokesperson was on the right track,” says Mr Booth.

He says one of the features of the Kāpiti Coast political scene is the Community Boards – five in number. “When you have 38 candidates, a good selection for each of five boards, it is actually a pity that these folk can’t speak at the meetings. But the meetings will each probably stretch close to three hours anyway, displaying the speaking skills and ideas of the Mayoral, District Wide, Maori Ward, and Greater Wellington Regional Council candidates. But many of the relevant Community Board candidates will be at meetings within their portions of the Kāpiti Coast to be introduced, and available to chat with citizens after the respective meetings.”

The presence this time of citizen groups backing candidates makes the scene a little different. “They are not really political parties like our traditional ones, over the years these sort of groups come and go, but their thoughts will affect results. And they are talking a lot about rates levels now, and planned for the future,” says Mr Booth.

He says the emergence of a Maori ward this time as another real feature.

Mr Booth, who was Deputy Mayor of Kāpiti 10 years ago, recalls some representation of iwi on Council committees in his time on the local Council. “But these were iwi representatives, from one or other of Kāpiti’s three key iwi. This time the chosen Maori ward Councillor will need to be speaking for all the local iwi, and finding some way to be able to genuinely do this. It will not be easy.”

The Paraparaumu meeting will be followed by two meetings in Waikanae, at the Waikanae Community Centre. The first on Tuesday September 2 at 10am, and the second in the evening, ‘especially for those who are at work during the day,’ on Wednesday 3 September at 6pm.

Then the fourth meeting will be in the Ōtaki Memorial Hall at 2pm on Friday 5 September.

Mr Booth and Kāpiti Coast Grey Power urge citizens to attend meetings.

Meeting details:

NOTE: Mayoral, KCDC District Wide Councillor, GWRC Kāpiti Councillor, and Kāpiti Maori Ward Councillor candidates have been invited to present at all four meetings.
Paraparaumu and Paekākāriki-Raumati Councillor candidates to present at the Paraparaumu meeting
Waikanae Councillor candidates to present at the Waikanae meeting
Ōtaki Councillor candidates to present at the Ōtaki meeting

In addition the Kāpiti Coast Community Board candidates have been invited to attend their respective meetings, where they will be introduced.

“Kia ora, being an Ōtaki Community Board member alongside my friends Shelly, Christine, Cam and Simon has been just awesome.

“We have shared the success that comes from having a shared vision and strong effective advocacy for you.

“That vision including re-opening the Ōtaki Gorge, stopping developer access to Moy Place and Sue Avenue, getting the new Business Association up and running, making Ōtaki safer with community safety cameras and getting a reduction in proposed campervans at the beach.

“We have supported many local clubs and individuals to reach their dreams through our grants.

“Behind the scenes I have worked hard to empower community boards across the motu as a member of the national executive committee.

“It’s been a fast and busy three years with much left to do. I love doing the mahi for you Ōtaki and am keen to be back on the OCB for our amazing home town. So please vote for Jackie Elliot.”

Also standing for District-wide Councillor

All candidates are offered the opportunity to submit a profile and photo for the position they are standing for.

“Kia ora, I’m Rhyna Taratoa, a local wahine from Ōtaki.

“I’ve always had a passion for serving this community, and now feels like the right time to stand for the Community Board.

“My journey began with the Kāpiti Coast Youth Council, where I discovered how much impact we can make through service.

“That experience ignited a fire in me, which grew stronger through a year of mentorship with Mayor Guru.

“I’ve worked as a teacher aide at Ōtaki College, where I realised advocating for whānau is one of my strengths.

“I’m now in my final year at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, studying for a Bachelor’s in Social Work. I also volunteer with Fire and Emergency NZ, and you’ll often find me supporting whānau and giving back in community spaces.

“I ask for your support to represent Ōtaki, and look forward to serving you on the Board.”

All candidates are offered the opportunity to submit a profile and photo for the position they are standing for.

“I’m proud to stand again for the Ōtaki Community Board. As a local resident, firefighter, business owner, and current Deputy Chair, I’m 100% committed to Ōtaki.

“Over the past three years, I’ve worked hard with the Board to bring community voices to the table and turn ideas into action.

“Together, we’ve tackled anti-social driving through partnerships with Police, KCDC and the Community Camera Trust; supported Vision Ōtaki with over 1,200 submissions; helped locals access housing; retained $100K for, and assisted with, the startup of Ōtaki and Te Horo Business Association; ensured 24/7 AED access downtown.

“We’ve also strengthened our relationship with Ngā Hapū Ōtaki and created a knowledge base for future board members.

“There’s more to do, and I have the experience, passion and energy to keep delivering for our community. If you want a strong local voice and proven leadership, I’d be grateful to have your #1 vote.”

All candidates are offered the opportunity to submit a profile and photo for the position they are standing for.

“Chris Papps has been a member and Chair of the Ōtaki Community Board during the past four electoral terms. She has lived in Ōtaki and worked on the Kāpiti Coast for more than 30 years.

“Chris has a broad knowledge of the issues and opportunities in Ōtaki. She is a Trustee of the Friends of the Ōtaki Rotunda, a member of the Management Committee of the Ōtaki Golf Club and member of the Ōtaki RSA.

“Her continuing interest as an Ōtaki Community Board member has been public transport and she has advocated successfully over the years for better bus and train services for Ōtaki people. She was also active as a former Chair of the Community Expressway Liaison Group

“If elected she will continue to focus her attention and advocacy on public transport and other topics which vitally affect the future of Ōtaki and its people.”

All candidates are offered the opportunity to submit a profile and photo for the position they are standing for.

“I live in Te Horo and am proud to be part of the Ōtaki community. My connections to Ōtaki run deep as an Ōtaki small business owner; my family plays sport for Ōtaki, and my children attend Ōtaki College.

“I’m the Chair of the Ōtaki Community Board and lead a unified, enthusiastic board – forging positive relationships with Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki and other community groups.

“As Chair, the Board and I have empowered Vision Ōtaki, countered freedom camping proposals; combated boy racers; established the local business association; and backed residents with the Moy Estate subdivision. 

“On behalf of our community, I will make sure that the Ōtaki voice is heard at Council.

“Support a strong, community-minded voice put #1 next to Cam Butler. Standing up for Ōtaki.

“I am also standing for the Ōtaki Ward.“

All candidates are offered the opportunity to submit a profile and photo for the position they are standing for.

“Nga Mihi,

“Having moved to Ōtaki 3 years ago, I found real joy in this small town with a big heart.

“I have a background in Local Government having been an elected member of a council supporting another small town for 12 years.

“One of the issues that concerns me is the lack of communication between residents and councils, and the lack of effective consultation. Simple things take too long and cost more than they should. That is why I am putting my name forward as a community board member to help promote the needs of our community. I have a huge interest in urban and environmental planning and accountability.

“As a resident of Ōtaki Beach this area has been under represented and I hope I can change that. If elected, my door is always open.”

All candidates are offered the opportunity to submit a profile and photo for the position they are standing for.

“Angela Buswell – Standing for Ōtaki Community Board

“Kia ora, I’m Angela Buswell, and I’m standing for the Ōtaki Community Board to represent and strengthen the place we proudly call home.

“A long-time Kāpiti Coast local, now living in rural Hautere, I bring deep community ties and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face.

“I’ve raised my family here, owned several small businesses, and served six years as a Kāpiti Coast District Councillor, advocating for local growth, resilient infrastructure, and connected communities.

“I’m solutions-focused, approachable, and passionate about making sure local voices are heard. With a background in business and real estate, I understand how to negotiate, lead, and get results — always with people at the heart of every decision.

“Ōtaki is a special place. I’d love the opportunity to work alongside you to help it thrive.

“Angela Buswell – Candidate for Ōtaki Community Board.”

All candidates are offered the opportunity to submit a profile and photo for the position they are standing for.

This election Kāpiti Council election staff have actively promoted participation, with the final total well in excess of the 64 who stood in 2022.

Six candidates have put their hand up for the Mayoral race, including incumbent Mayor Janet Holborow. Challengers include Rob McCann, who finished a close second at the last election and Martin Halliday who also stood for the mayoralty in 2022. Newcomer to the Mayoral race is current District-wide Ward councillor Liz Koh who topped the poll last election. Dean Harris is standing under the We Love Kāpiti banner in his first challenge and another newcomer to challenge is Kim Hobson from Paraparaumu. Mr Hobson and Ms Holborow are the only two standing for Mayor only with the other four candidates also standing for a Ward position.

For the first time Kāpiti Council will have a Maori Ward councillor and that race has drawn an impressive field of six candidates.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council is a two-runner contest with current GW councillor Penny Gaylor being challenged by Sam Ferguson who is currently elected to the Horizons Regional Council but is now back resident in Kāpiti.

Two current councillors are stepping down – Kathy Spiers and Sophie Handford.

Every seat is being contested and there has been very high interest in Community Board positions.

The full list of candidates is here:

Mayor 

(1 vacancy)

• Kim Hobson – Independent
• Janet Holborow – Independent
• Liz Koh – Independent
• Dean Harris – We Love Kāpiti
• Martin Halliday – Independent
• Rob McCann

Councillors

Districtwide (2 vacancies)

• Liz Koh – Independent
• Grant Bartlett – Independent
• Lawrence Kirby – Independent
• Joanne Welch – We love Kāpiti
• Jackie Elliott – Independent
• Marek Willis
• Rob McCann
• Gavin Welsh – Independent
• Jo Turner – Independent

Kāpiti Coast Māori Ward (1 vacancy)

• Deanna Rudd
• Jason Thurston – New Zealand Māori Council and Paraparaumu Māori Committee
• Brian Ruawai-Hamilton – We Love Kāpiti
• Jordon Wansbrough
• Rangi Halbert – Independent
• Himiona Grace – Te Pati Māori

Ōtaki General Ward (1 vacancy)

• Heniti Buick
• Shelly Warwick
• Brent Frogley – We Love Kāpiti
• Cam Butler – Independent
• Rob Kofoed

Waikanae General Ward (2 vacancies)

• Steven Botica
• Phil Byrne – Independent
• Martin Frauenstein – We Love Kāpiti
• Jocelyn Prvanov – Independent
• Dean Harris – We Love Kāpiti
• Chris Maclean – Independent
• Peter Bollman – Independent
• Nigel Wilson
• Michael Moore

Paraparaumu General Ward (3 vacancies)

• Chris Harwood – We Love Kāpiti 
• Dave Freeman
• Glen Cooper – Independent
• Glen Olsen – Independent
• Paul Baggott – Independent
• Martin Halliday – Independent
• Bernie Randall – Independent
• Murray Lobb
• Euon Murrell – Independent
• Mark Souness – Independent
• Fiona Vining

Paekākāriki-Raumati General Ward (1 vacancy)

• Bede Laracy – Independent
• Richard Young – Independent
• Zelda Edwards 

Community board members

Ōtaki Community Board (4 vacancies)

• Rhyna Taratoa
• Jackie Elliott – Independent
• Simon Black – Independent
• Cam Butler – Independent
• Sherril Moody
• Chris Papps
• Angela Buswell

Waikanae Community Board (4 vacancies)

• Phil Byrne – Independent
• John McCormick
• Tonchi Begovich – Independent
• Peter Bollman – Independent
• Richard Mansell
• Michael Moore

Paraparaumu Community Board (4 vacancies)

• Guy Burns – Independent
• Michelle Scullion
• Bernie Randall – Independent
• David Ogden – Independent
• Clint Smith – Independent
• Marco Zeeman – Independent
• Kat Hardisty
• Glen Olsen – Independent
• Kathy Spiers – Independent
• Doug Beilman – Independent
• Karl Webber
• Gideon Soares – Independent

Raumati Community Board (4 vacancies)

• Sue Harris – Independent
• Timothy Sutton
• Jonny Best – Independent
• Ann-Maree Ellison – Independent
• Zelda Edwards
• Afi’a Sulu Fiti
• Tarn Sheerin
• Fiona Vining

Paekākāriki Community Board (4 vacancies)

• Tina Pope
• Melissa Bryant
• Kelsey Lee
• Elyse Robêrt
• Himiona Grace

Greater Wellington Regional Council

Kāpiti Coast General Constituency:

• Sam Ferguson
• Penny Gaylor