Economic Development Kotahitanga Board
The independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board manages the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan. They build momentum and trust with key partners, stakeholders and the community.
Economic Development Kotahitanga Board members:
- Neil Mackay - Board Chair
- Waipuna Grace – Business Services Manager, Ngāti Toa Rangatira
- Scott Houston – tech entrepreneur and futurist
- Hillmarè Schulze – Chief Economist at BERL (Business and Economic Research Ltd)
- Russell Spratt, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai–Manahautū Poneke – General Manager, Tribe
- Kim Tahiwi, Ngāti Raukawa – chartered accountant and kaiārahi contracted to Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki.
Independent trust
On 29 August 2024, Council approved the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board to become an independent trust. This new model will include a trust-owned business to do the Board’s work.
This new model will save Council money in the medium and long term. It will also let the Board access investments Council can’t, like co-investing in projects with businesses, research groups, property developers, Māori landowners, and central government.
Sustainable economic growth is vital for the Kāpiti Coast. The Board’s new model will be more flexible and better able to support local businesses during tough economic times.
A trust can act independently, knowing that successful business development needs long-term effort. There’s still work to do before finalising the details like costs, management structure, and talking more with the local business community.
Even with more independence, the Board will remain accountable to Council.
Next steps
Detailed documents, including the trust deed and relationship management framework, will show how Council and the new entity will work together and what is expected of the new entity. These will be given to Council for review and final approval before the end of 2024.