Leading Kāpiti’s Economic Future
The Economic Development Kotahitanga Board (EDKB) is the independent governance group responsible for championing economic growth and resilience on the Kāpiti Coast.
Formed to lead the delivery of the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan, the Board works alongside Kāpiti Coast District Council, iwi, business leaders, and community partners to set a clear direction for our district’s economic future.
The Board's role is to:
- Strengthen the business ecosystem – fostering an environment where businesses, talent, and innovation can thrive together.
- Provide governance and strategic leadership – ensuring Kāpiti’s economy grows in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused.
- Champion the business community – raising the visibility of local enterprise and building investor and community trust.
- Drive collaboration – connecting Council, iwi, sector clusters, and industry partners behind shared goals.
- Oversee implementation – ensuring the Economic Development Strategy is actioned and measurable progress is made.
At the heart of the Board’s work is a commitment to kotahitanga – unity, partnership, and collective momentum.
Why the EDKB Matters:
Kāpiti is a region of opportunity. From food and beverage producers scaling to international markets, to tech start-ups reshaping the digital landscape, to tourism operators welcoming visitors from around the world - our district is thriving with potential.
The EDKB provides the leadership to harness this potential, ensuring decisions are guided by expert insight and aligned with long-term prosperity for all.
Through cross-sector partnerships and strategic oversight, the Board helps build an economy where businesses, communities, and iwi can thrive together.
Meet The Board
The Board is made up of experienced leaders from across industry, iwi, and the community, each bringing specialist knowledge and perspectives to the table.
Each member contributes expertise in areas such as investment, entrepreneurship, governance, Māori economic development, data insights, and regional growth.
Neil has extensive governance and executive management experience in NZ, UK, Hong Kong and Australia in a wide variety of sectors including infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, transport and the public service.
He is currently director of companies in the three waters sector, commercialising innovative packaged wastewater technology in NZ and overseas and providing water security through advanced monitoring management.
Neil has considerable experience in the energy sector and was a director and Chair of Electra. He is now a trustee of the Electra Trust.
He was the inaugural CE of Industry NZ a crown entity responsible for industry and regional development. It was acknowledged by the OECD as having economic programmes and strategies that were at the forefront of best practice internationally.
Neil is the appointed chair of the EDKB and has been since its formation in 2020.
Kim Tahiwi, Ngā Hapu o Ōtaki, (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) is a qualified accountant and has a background in housing development and economic development. Kim represents Ngā Hapu o Ōtaki on various council committees. She has been a member of the EDKB since its inception and was recently appointed chairperson of TWOK and is the TWOK appointed representative to the independent housing trust. Kim represents Ngā Hapu in the housing and infrastructure space among other things, working with Waka Kotahi on PP20 and now O2NL. Kim works alongside Denise Hapeta, NHoO chairperson and Kirsten Hapeta NHoO TWOK representative and other hapu representatives in the operations of Ngā Hapu. She volunteers her time in the community and supports local Kura with coaching and Kapa haka.
Scott Houston is a highly experienced entrepreneur who was CTO for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy in New Zealand. He founded the New Zealand Supercomputer Center and a cloud orchestration company called GreenButton and led its acquisition by Microsoft in 2014. He was a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the year awards and named an “Innovation Hero” by the Innovation Council. In addition to the EDKB, Scott is a board member of organisations such as ArcanumAI, Electra and Fingermark, as well as a beachheads advisor at NZTE, and works with companies seeking to harness the power of AI. He is also a published author, releasing an AI novel called ADA.
Hillmaré Schulze is a seasoned economist with extensive governance experience in economic development. As the Director and Chief Economist at BERL, she has led numerous initiatives to drive regional economic growth and sustainability. Hillmaré has a proven track record of providing strategic insights and leadership in various sectors, including public policy, research, and consultancy. She has in-depth understanding and experience of the Māori economy and is a trusted advisor to iwi and many Māori entities. Her expertise and commitment to economic development make her a key figure in shaping New Zealand's economic landscape.
Russell Spratt (Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) has extensive governance experience. He has served as an iwi representative on two Kāpiti Coast District Council Standing Orders Committees and is committed to governance roles with Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai chairing the Asset Holding Company, various Māori Asset Trusts, Zealandia – Te Māra a Tāne (Karori Sanctuary Trust), and most recently having a ministerial appointment as member of the nominating committee for He Pou a Rangi - Climate Change Commission. He was previously chair of the Regional Trails Community & Industry Engagement Forum for WellingtonNZ and Te Ara A Māui (the Regional Māori Tourism Society). Russell has held various general management and commercial roles, beginning his career as a teacher. Russell holds a MBA, Dip Tch, and MInstD.
Waipuna Grace (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Ātiawa) has a strong background supporting Māori, serving as Business Services and Community Manager / Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Pakihi at Te Āhuru Mōwai which provide homes for whānau. She joined the EDKB in 2023.
Working Together
The Board doesn’t work in isolation. It works closely with:
- The Kāpiti Coast District Council Economic Development team.
- The Tourism Advisory Board, which leads Destination Management Plan implementation.
- Local and regional partners such as iwi, WellingtonNZ, government agencies, sector clusters, and industry groups.
- Kapiti Chamber, Business Associations, and business networks to strengthen the business ecosystem
Together, these partnerships create a connected and supportive environment that gives Kāpiti businesses the strategy, leadership, and momentum to succeed.
Our Vision
The Board doesn’t work in isolation. It works closely with:
- The Kāpiti Coast District Council Economic Development team.
- The Tourism Advisory Board, which leads Destination Management Plan implementation.
- Local and regional partners such as iwi, WellingtonNZ, government agencies, sector clusters, and industry groups.
- Kapiti Chamber, Business Associations, and business networks to strengthen the business ecosystem
Together, these partnerships create a connected and supportive environment that gives Kāpiti businesses the strategy, leadership, and momentum to succeed.