Environment and Communities Committee Chair and Acting Mayor Martin Halliday says supporting households and businesses to reduce emissions is very important to Council.

“Reducing emissions is about mindset change and playing our part to lessen the impacts of a changing climate,” says Acting Mayor Halliday.

“But it’s also about delivering practical benefits for our district, such as reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels, saving money on power bills, and creating warmer, drier and healthier homes.

“We know many Kāpiti residents and businesses are already exploring low emissions transport options, improving the energy efficiency of their homes and buildings, and minimising waste.

“Our focus is on accelerating these efforts and maximising the benefits for everyone who lives and works in Kāpiti.”

In 2025, Council adopted an Emissions Reductions Strategy to guide the district’s emissions reduction focus over the next 15 years.

The draft Emissions Reduction Plan focuses on putting that strategy into practical and tangible actions over the next 3–4 years, with measures covering both Council operations and support for households and businesses across the district.

Climate Change and Connected Communities Principal Policy Advisor Jamie Young-Drew says Council has found that many actions to reduce emissions from Council operations – such as upgrading streetlights to LEDs and improving the energy efficiency of wastewater treatment plants – have also led to significant cost savings.

“Since 2010, Council has reduced its own emissions by 69.5 percent,” says Mr Young-Drew.

“We want to create the right conditions to enable everyone in Kāpiti, including businesses and community groups, to take practical, affordable, and meaningful action.

“The best outcomes happen when we work together, which is why we encourage everyone to review our draft Emissions Reduction Plan and provide feedback.”

People can have their say on the draft Emissions Reduction Plan online, in-person at a drop-in session, or by hardcopy at one of Council’s libraries and service centres.

Feedback closes at midnight on Sunday 24 May. haveyoursay.kapiticoast.govt.nz/EmissionsReductionPlan

Drop-in sessions:

• Saturday 2 May,10am – 1pm,PaekākārikiMarketDay
• Tuesday5May,10am – 1pm,Waikanae Library
• Saturday 9 May,10am – 1pm,ŌtakiLibrary
• Sunday 10 May, 10am – 1pm,Pop-up at Raumati Marine Gardens
• Wednesday13May,10am – 1pm,Paraparaumu Library