Driving Business Growth and Opportunity in Kāpiti

The Economic Development team at Kāpiti Coast District Council is the engine room behind Business Kāpiti, working alongside the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board, the Tourism Advisory Board, and industry partners to deliver on the district’s economic strategy.

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Economic Development Team

Our role is to connect businesses with the right opportunities, provide practical support, and ensure Kāpiti remains a great place to live, work, visit, and invest. From championing local enterprises to attracting new investment, the team is dedicated to creating the conditions for a vibrant, resilient economy.

What the Economic Development Team Does

The team’s work spans across key areas of business growth and support:

  • Business Support & Capability – Helping existing businesses access advice, funding, and training to build resilience and grow.

  • Sector Development – Supporting clusters in food & beverage, tech & innovation, tourism, and creative industries.

  • Investment & Attraction – Promoting Kāpiti as a prime destination for new businesses and investors.

  • Workforce & Skills – Leading initiatives such as the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs and Summer of Tech internships to develop local talent.

  • Tourism & Events – Growing visitor experiences, building campaigns, and managing the Major Events Fund to increase economic impact.

Through these areas, the team turns strategy into action, ensuring businesses have the tools, connections, and visibility they need to succeed.

Why the ED Team Matters

Kāpiti’s business landscape is diverse – from homegrown startups and artisan producers to exporters, major employers, and global innovators. The Economic Development team exists to support all of these businesses, recognising their role in driving jobs, innovation, and prosperity.

We help bridge the gap between strategy and implementation, ensuring that the ambitions of our Economic Development Strategy and Destination Management Plan are felt in practical, on-the-ground outcomes.

Meet The Team

The team sits within Council’s Strategy & Growth group and brings together expertise across marketing, investment, workforce, tourism, and sustainability.

Mark Ward
Mark Ward
Manager Economic Development
Karyn Andreassend
Karyn Andreassend
Senior Advisor, Business Investment & Facilitation
  • Tech
  • Startup & Emerging Business
  • Creative Industries
  • Business Attraction
Alison Black
Alison Black
Business Capability Development, Workforce & Training Lead
  • Skills and Training
  • Mayors Taskforce for Jobs
  • Business Support
Amberley Kennish
Amberley Kennish
Manager Tourism Development and Marketing
  • Marketing
  • Tourism
  • Major Events

Working Together 

The team works in close partnership with:

  • The Economic Development Kotahitanga Board (EDKB).

  • The Tourism Advisory Board.

  • Local business associations, chambers, and collectives.

  • Regional partners including iwi, WellingtonNZ, and government agencies.

Together, we create a connected, forward-looking ecosystem that supports business confidence and community pride.

Our Commitment

The Economic Development team is committed to:

  • Making it easier to do business on the Coast.

  • Providing clear, consistent communication with businesses.

  • Championing sustainability and innovation across sectors.

  • Ensuring the benefits of growth are shared across communities.