Community feedback shapes representation review in Kāpiti

Kāpiti Coast District Council has agreed to amend the Waikanae Ward boundaries following community feedback received as part of its representation review.

The council has adopted a final proposal largely maintaining the current electoral arrangements in Kāpiti but bringing Huia Street, Reikorangi and Waikanae Downs into the Waikanae Ward.

The council is required to review representation arrangements for Kāpiti every six years and tasked a working party to seek informal community feedback to help shape an initial proposal, released in June.

Mayor Ross Church says the council worked closely with the community to identify what, if any, changes should be made to the way Kāpiti is governed.

“We have a final proposal we feel reflects what residents want and it was based on finding the best fit for meeting the development needs of the district while also recognising the representation needs of our communities in Kāpiti.”

Formal public submissions were made on those recommendations and following community feedback – including residents in Waikanae Downs wanting to be included in both the Waikanae Ward and community board areas they identified with – the final proposal was accepted by council.

The decision to make a change to the Waikanae Ward was achievable due to a change in legislation that allows more flexibility around the size of wards where communities are split.
“We wanted to ensure fair and effective representation for individuals and communities in Kāpiti and we think we’ve got the right approach for our residents,” the mayor says.

A one-month period for appeals or objections to be lodged ends on 5 October and the council will then refer the matter to the Local Government Commission for their its decision.