Kapiti lagging in economic report

Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce chairwoman Liz Koh says not enough priority is being given to Kapiti's economic development.

The latest Quarterly Economic Monitor has shown Kapiti to be seriously lagging behind the rest of Wellington and New Zealand regions on most measures, Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce chairwoman Liz Koh said.

The report, produced by Infometrics, focuses on the economic data of each region in New Zealand, and although it shows Kapiti District GDP is up 1.8 per cent since the year earlier, it does not compare well with New Zealand at a 2.7 per cent increase and Wellington at a 2.4 per cent increase, she said.

Ms Koh said it was the result of not enough priority being given to Kapiti's economic development.

"There has been insufficient attention given to economic development by council and a lack of funding for economic development initiatives.

"On top of that, Kapiti needs to work harder to be an 'Open for Business Council' to make it easier for new developments.

"These issues have been raised in the Chamber's Election Manifesto which has been made available to election candidates for comment.

"I expect there will be many questions about these matters at the public Meet The Candidates Evening hosted by the Chamber later this month."

The chamber has worked with council to produce the Economic Development Strategy for Kapiti.

"We now need to get some serious funding for the initiatives outlined in the strategy.

"We also need to get the support of the Wellington Regional Development Agency (WREDA) which is partly funded by Kapiti Coast District Council but has previously given little attention to Kapiti.

"There is huge potential in Kapiti.

"We will be the jewel in crown of the Wellington Region if we get it right."

Annual GDP growth in Kapiti Coast District peaked at 5.6 per cent in the year to September 2007.

The chamber is hosting a Meet The Candidates evening on Wednesday September 14 from 7pm where the public will have an opportunity to ask candidates questions about key matters and issues.

Find out more at www.kapitichamber.org.nz.