How we got here

Working alongside the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board (EDKB), we’ve made good progress implementing the Economic Development Strategy 2020-2023.

Our clear strategic focus on growth and development has created solid foundations for key sector collaboration, implementation of a Covid-19 recovery plan, supporting effective pathways to employment through our Workforce Plan, and implementing our Destination Management Plan to help strengthen our visitor economy.

Our unemployment rate, local economy, and business indicators have been tracking better than the rest of New Zealand’s over the past four years; our business and investment is well placed to capitalise on growth opportunities; and we’re benefitting from new transport networks such as Transmission Gully and the Kāpiti Expressway.

We still have some challenges, but we also have loads of opportunities that will help improve our local economy.

Direction of travel

Early last year we prepared a direction of travel document that identified three focus areas, four key shifts to build on our progress, a new operating model, and ways to measure our impact to help us build our new strategy.

We also asked local businesses and the community through our Vision Kāpiti process if we were on the right track. We heard our community wants to see sustainable, environmentally friendly businesses that bring high quality jobs and deliver local economic growth. New employment opportunities, and education and training pathways to stable employment are also a priority.

Following this feedback Council resolved in December 2024 to:

Transition the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board (EDKB) to an independent charitable trust.
Stand-up a commercial entity, that reports into the independent trust, to enable delivery of activity and attract investment to the district that Council is not able to do under current regulatory settings. For example, this includes co-investment with businesses, research organisations, property developers, iwi, and government agencies. Read more here. The Trust and the new commercial entity will take a lead role in implementing the refreshed Economic Development Strategy.
Consult on the refreshed Economic Development Strategy for 2025-27

Our vision

“Through partnership, we will support the growth of a thriving, vibrant, and diverse Kāpiti Coast economy that provides increased opportunity, resilience, and well-being for all.”