We have done this by providing a unified strategic direction for economic activity, building trust with the business community, and overseeing the delivery of the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy.
In the numerous examples below you will see evidence of increased opportunity, resilience, and wellbeing for all, in line with our Terms of Reference. Over the last six months, these are some of the key activities:
Investment and Business Attraction
- Completed a hotel market study for Kāpiti and currently in discussions with three investors exploring opportunities to develop a hotel and new accommodation in the district.
- Following the issue of an Expression of Interest (EOI) from the current owners, we are engaging with two parties interested in investing and developing Kāpiti Airport.
- In discussion with three Tech companies that have expressed an interest in moving to Kāpiti.
- Working with investors on the feasibility of establishing a Technology Hub in Kapiti
- Drafted a business case, and secured commitment and funds from key stakeholders, next step is applying for Government funding (we meet their criteria) for a Regenerative Agriculture and Horticulture Hub.
- Facilitating support to a local organisation in its development and bid for a high-profile international event in Paraparaumu, with the potential to run for up to 10 years. The event has strong links to Australia and Japan.
- Piloting an AI project focussing on Local Government Consent process. Early indications show significant efficiencies will be achieved. A successful pilot will open considerable opportunities for our technology companies to develop applications that improve local and central government processes.
Kāpiti Growth and Investment Event
The EDKB co-hosted a Growth and Investment Event with KCDC, attended by local and international investors, businesses (including construction, food and beverage, tourism, technology, creative) property developers and Iwi. This event featured two sessions. The first business-only session highlighted opportunities for job creation, business growth and high-value niche sector development, along with good quality housing growth.
The second session, attended by the Hon. Nicola Willis, Minister for Growth and Finance, focussed on the estimated $2b pipeline of commercial and housing projects which will power Kāpiti’s economic growth over the next 5-10 years. The session also workshopped current barriers to economic growth related to Local and Central Government regulations and processes. The EDKB are prioritising and developing an approach to navigate through, amendment of, or removal of those barriers.
Through the above activities the EDKB has continued to build strong relationships and trust with local and international investors, property developers, businesses, and Iwi that are contributing to our regional growth and development.
- Support through establishing industry Clusters and partnering with Business Associations/Networks.
- We are in the process of developing the Kāpiti business ecosystem to ensure that businesses of all types across the region have representation within a collective of business associations, networks, and clusters. We are currently finalising the business model. At this stage, the collective is expected to represent nearly 1,500 businesses throughout Kāpiti.
- Completed a Kāpiti Trails Tourism plan and are in discussion with WellingtonNZ to secure funding support for identified actions in the short term (3-9months). This is in collaboration with The Kāpiti Trails Trust. The plan also highlights medium term (12-36 months) and long term (>36month) trails development and tourism activity required to implement the plan.
- The Major Events Fund performed exceptionally well this year. From an investment of $200k it delivered a return of $6.7m. (33.5:1). More than 80,000 people attended and supported events. The fund puts money back into local hands, drives spending in our businesses and gives Kāpiti a stronger platform for long term growth.
- We are developing a business case for transforming climate risk management through advanced simulation technology
- Through the Economic Development team, we continue to support the three key clusters: Food and Beverage (168 businesses), Tourism (292 businesses), and Technology (185 businesses). The cluster programme has provided small businesses with the confidence and in-depth support to step up and scale up. There is also support through a logistics hub, precinct cluster, and initiatives to optimise the utilisation of plant and equipment.
- We have set up a database of open access commercial kitchens across Kāpiti for small producers to rent out.
- Facilitating a collective retail opportunity at Coastlands to showcase our Food & Beverage Cluster producers in a high foot traffic environment.
- Through Winter, in addition to the destination marketing campaigns, we have implemented a series of low-cost, highly focussed, short duration initiatives aimed at boosting revenue for our businesses in the current challenging economic climate. An example: The hot chocolate competition, $2,500 investment, 28 local businesses generated $100,000 into our economy.
- These activities are by no means a complete list of achievements over the past few months, but they demonstrate the strong foundation we have established to launch the new Economic Development entity.
- We have drafted a business plan that focusses on partnerships, subsidiaries, smart investment & funding, oversight of the ED Strategy, prioritisation & budget, ecosystem support and overcoming barriers to economic growth.
Underpinning the business plan, will be a letter of expectation including metrics covering the 3 key areas of focus and an MOU with the Council’s ED team. Funding is expected to be at the same level as for 2024-25 financial year. We are actively discussing ways where our work with third parties is valued and can be converted into revenues to reduce our overall costs and reliance on our ratepayers.
On behalf of the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board, thank you for your support and input in this triennium.
Neil Mackay
Chair
Economic Development Kotahitanga Board