Questions (and Answers) asked by Paraparaumu Ratepayer M-A C------- ahead of the KCDC 2025 local election

Hi M----,

Thank you for reaching out, you have asked some great questions ahead of the KCDC 2025 local election.

Are you in favour of rate cap?

While I firmly believe that rates increases have become unsustainable — and are a real source of anxiety for many in Kāpiti (myself included) — a general rates cap can be risky. If set too high, it could become a target rather than a limit, encouraging Council to simply spend up to that level rather than working harder to keep costs down.

I have also noticed that elected members who are financially well-off are often less inclined to push for reduced rates, and can lack the empathy and understanding of the real pressure that rates place on many in our community who are less well-off than themselves.

What we need are strong elected members who will push back when told there are “no more savings to be found.” Too often, elected members lack the skills and experience to effectively challenge these claims. I believe in scrutinising spending, finding efficiencies, and ensuring ratepayers get real value for every dollar.

If the issue of kapiti gateway project would resurface for debate again, are you in favour or against? (I've noted you are against. However still against it if the cost would reduce? 

No — I would still be against a Kapiti Gateway, especially if it involved any ratepayer funding, including ongoing operational costs, and particularly if it were located at Maclean Park.

The project originally began as a proposal for a small biosecurity facility near the boat club and boat launching area to help protect Kapiti Island. While I am not opposed to that concept in principle, I believe it should be 100% user-funded — paid for by the Department of Conservation and the Kapiti Island ferry operators, not the general ratepayer.

There is also no reason for such a facility to be staffed by Council at any time. Ratepayer money should not be used for projects that do not provide a clear, broad benefit to the local community.

Do you believe ratepayers money should be invested in a commercial business with ongoing cost to ratepayers?)

No. There is no place for commercial businesses to be funded by ratepayers — that is not the role of Council. Ratepayer money should be focused on delivering core services, maintaining essential infrastructure, and projects that provide clear, community-wide benefit, not subsidising commercial ventures.

Do you agree or oppose that unelected members of the public are appointed by a council?

I oppose the appointment of unelected members to Council. Decisions that affect our community should be made by people who are directly elected and accountable to the public. Appointments risk undermining democratic representation and the community’s ability to hold decision-makers to account.

Are you for or against the council withdraw from LGNZ?

From what I have seen, LGNZ primarily works to protect and support council staff, while providing little meaningful support for elected members or our community. I have struggled to identify any real value for ratepayers in our membership.

As there will be a referendum on Maori wards, when the council made the decision not to dissolve the Maori ward, were you against or for this decision?

I believe in strong community advocacy. Community engagement on the Māori ward showed overwhelming opposition to it. I believe this is a decision for the community majority to make, and as such I remain against the Māori ward.

Do you believe rates should only be spent on core services, like clean drinking water, storm/ wastewater, dog control, maintenance of public footpaths, parks and reserves, public toilets and rubbish bins etc?

I believe these should be the priority for the majority of rates spending. I would widen the list slightly to include services like libraries, which provide essential access to information and facilities such as regular Justices of the Peace for those who might otherwise struggle to access them. I also believe our pools are an essential service for the whole community — from teaching water safety and swimming to children, to providing fitness and rehabilitation opportunities for seniors.

Best Regards,

Glen.

Questions (and Answers) asked by Paraparaumu Ratepayer M-A C-------