By the numbers with Deputy Mayor Lawrence Kirby

First published in the Kapiti News on 10 July 2024

20, 10, 12, 17, 11, 1.

Numbers can tell a story, often only one part of a story but a story, nonetheless. Without context numbers can be meaningless so you’ll make up a story or ignore them completely. On this occasion, I’ll give you some context for these numbers and the story they tell me.

20 months have passed of my first term as a councillor – over halfway. I’m loving it! I think I’ve experienced every emotion possible over that time. I’ve read so many pages of information, met some amazing people, seen parts of this beautiful Coast that I’ve never seen and tried to immerse myself fully in the role. Thanks for the privilege!

10 years is what our Long-Term Plan (LTP) covers. 2024-2034 seems like a long time but it’ll fly by. A sizeable amount of work and time has gone into this piece of work which gives direction to our activities over that time. If you contributed to the process of the LTP, thank you! Your contribution was important.

12 and 17. They go together as they are the numbers representing the percentage rates increase that we consulted on. 17 percent was most supported by those of our community who gave their opinion. The whole Council wasn’t happy with those numbers, yet due to the environment we find ourselves in, that’s what they were. We voted and the 17 percent average increase was decided. Many further numbers have been thrown around as a result of that decision. I’ve heard 39 percent, 28 percent, and 24 percent to name a few. My personal number is 34 percent. Interestingly, only 16.4 percent of that is due to the 17 percent average increase, the rest is due to the 30 percent increase in my property’s capital and land value. I wonder how many of the other numbers I’ve heard would tell a similar story if the right context was given.

11. The number of your Council - 1 Mayor and 10 councillors. These men and women are amazing. Each brings their strengths, passions and personalities to the table every week to listen, to learn and to endeavour to make good governance decisions for their community – the Kapiti Coast District. We don’t agree on everything, but we are working together well in a ‘one team’ culture. I am confident that the future for this District is bright.

Which leads me to my last number…

1. The number 1 place to live! What a fabulous District with beautiful people and a stunning natural environment. The mountains to the sea, the diversity of our communities, the vibrant and interesting people, the infrastructure, resources and facilities that we can access – we are so privileged and blessed. I try to be always grateful to live here in Kapiti! Thanks to you for being part of this community.