The Challenge

• To develop a housing strategy for the Kāpiti Coast District and to define the role of the Kāpiti Coast District Council within this strategy. The project was to outline how the district could equitably house more people by rethinking the housing system. Since Kāpiti Coast District Council is not a housing provider, solutions had to be explored at a strategic level. 

The Journey 

• TUA supported KCDC through a series of internal workshops that explored the many facets of the housing system and its possibilities. These workshops were used to inform the development of the Housing Strategy which included:
• Primary research into the current and future demographics of the area, and future lifestyle trends.
• Reviewing and synthesising relevant content from other KCDC strategies and reports about housing affordability, supply and demand.
• Internal workshops to identify issues, opportunities and key objectives of each sector that needs to play a role in housing delivery.  
• Defining tailored housing objectives for the Kāpiti Coast, and key partnerships that are integral to making change in the housing system in the Kāpiti Coast. 
• Outlining the potential for innovative solutions.

• The Kāpiti Coast District comprises neighbourhoods of varied sizes, each with its own housing story and challenges. Understanding these stories and challenges was key to developing a housing strategy that was proactive and could provide tailored solutions to the needs of residents. 

The Outcome

The Kāpiti Coast District Council housing strategy was developed using evidence-based insights of the housing challenges that the Kāpiti Coast District is facing. The analysis undertaken informed the actions and priorities that Kāpiti Coast District Council can pursue to meet the real housing needs of the Kāpiti Coast now and into the future. The strategy provides a clear direction about the role of Council and the shift that needs to happen to achieve the objectives. 

There is now a foundation for which partnerships with other organisations, across the public, private and community sectors, and with iwi, can be developed.

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