Supporting Kāpiti’s Economic Future
Kāpiti has introduced a new model for how economic development is delivered across the district, aligned to the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy 2025–2028.
Kāpiti NZ Trust
Working alongside Kāpiti Coast District Council and local partners, the Trust provides an independent structure to support the delivery of the Economic Development Strategy.
Its role is to enable investment, partnerships, and projects that contribute to a stronger, more resilient local economy. The Trust has been set up to support how economic development is delivered over time, in line with the priorities set out in the Economic Development Strategy.
This means creating the conditions for businesses to grow, supporting sector development, and enabling opportunities that require coordination, scale, or long-term investment.
It also enables delivery through a commercial arm, providing a mechanism to partner, co-invest, and deliver activity that sits beyond a traditional model. It allows Kāpiti to work more effectively with businesses, iwi, central government, and other partners bringing together capability, investment, and delivery in a way that supports the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy.
Kāpiti is a place where businesses are building, growing, and evolving.
From hospitality and retail to tourism, technology, and creative industries, there is a wide range of activity happening across the Coast. The Trust supports this environment by helping unlock opportunities and ensuring effort is aligned with where the district is heading.
While the Trust operates independently, it remains connected to Council through agreed governance and accountability arrangements. During this transition, the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board continues to provide strategic oversight, helping maintain alignment across activity in the district.
Meet the Trustees
The Trust is made up of individuals with experience across business, investment, governance, and economic development.
Each trustee brings a different perspective, supporting a balanced and informed approach as the model develops.
Bringing national tourism leadership and governance experience.
Chris Roberts is an experienced executive and director with a long-standing connection to Kāpiti. As former Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, he led the sector through a period of significant disruption during COVID-19, working closely with government and industry to support recovery and resilience.
He currently serves as a director of Tourism New Zealand and Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, bringing strong governance experience across nationally significant organisations. With over 20 years as a Kāpiti ratepayer, Chris provides both national perspective and local insight, supporting the Trust’s role in strengthening the district’s economic position.
Deep governance experience across social enterprise and high-growth organisations
Josie Adlam is an experienced independent director with a background spanning not-for-profit organisations, public sector entities, and start-up and high-growth businesses. She has held chair roles at The Sustainability Trust, Home in Place New Zealand, and Tautoko Options, reflecting a strong focus on impact-led governance.
With more than 30 years living in Kāpiti, Josie brings a deep understanding of the local community alongside her experience in organisational oversight and the distribution of charitable funding. Her perspective supports a balanced approach to growth, ensuring that economic outcomes are considered alongside wider community impact.
Local tourism operator with national and international governance experience
John Barrett is a long-time Kāpiti resident and an active tourism business operator, bringing direct industry experience into the Trust. Nominated by Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti – Iwi Partnership Board, he represents both sector knowledge and iwi connection.
His governance experience spans national and international organisations, with involvement across tourism, housing, health, education, and broader economic development. This breadth allows him to contribute a well-rounded perspective on how different parts of the economy connect and grow together.
Infrastructure and national leadership perspective
Tracey Kai is Chief Executive of Electricity Networks Aotearoa, representing the country’s electricity distribution businesses. Her previous roles include Group Manager Operations at the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission and Group Manager Communications at New Zealand Rugby.
Her governance experience includes roles with Construction Health and Safety New Zealand, as well as the Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby Boards. Tracey brings a strong understanding of infrastructure, national systems, and strategic delivery, supporting the Trust’s ability to operate at scale.
Governance specialist focused on performance and accountability
John Page is an Ōtaki-based governance consultant who works across writing, teaching, and mentoring, with a focus on governance structures, accountability, and organisational performance.
Prior to this, he had a long career in management within the performing arts and events sectors, giving him a strong understanding of the not-for-profit environment. His experience supports the Trust in establishing clear systems, strong governance practices, and long-term organisational capability.
Economic development leader with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Gerard Quinn is Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Canterbury, where he focuses on fostering innovation and supporting business growth. He brings direct economic development experience, having previously served as Chief Executive of two regional economic development agencies and establishment Director of a third.
His background provides insight into how regions attract investment, support businesses, and build sustainable economic ecosystems. Gerard contributes a practical understanding of how strategy translates into delivery.
