Chamber Advocacy Secures Major Win
for Trade and Construction Sector in Kāpiti
Consenting and regulatory reform to be embedded in Kāpiti's Economic Development Strategy
The Kāpiti Business Chamber is celebrating a hard-fought advocacy win with the confirmation that a focus on improving the local regulatory system will now be formally embedded in Kāpiti’s updated Economic Development Strategy—a direct result of years of sustained sector advocacy and feedback.
For too long, Kāpiti’s construction sector—architects, consultants, tradies, contractors, investors, business owners, and residents alike—have faced a regulatory environment that is siloed, risk-averse, and disconnected from the region’s growth ambitions. This has hampered business confidence and resulted in reduced levels of investment, with consenting processes described by many as overly complex, inconsistent, and stifling innovation.
Led by then-Chair of the Chamber, Monique Leith, the Chamber has consistently championed the voice of the sector through long-term plan submissions, direction-of-travel feedback, and one-to-one engagement with businesses, councillors, and Council’s senior leadership team. This advocacy has included regular consultation events, sector-specific workshops, and private feedback channels to ensure issues were understood at every level of decision-making.
“This is a huge milestone for Kāpiti. We’ve been clear for years: you can’t develop an economic development strategy in isolation from the local regulatory environment which this sector of our business community must navigate regularly. Investors, developers, and local businesses all need the right conditions to grow—and that often starts with the local consenting framework.”
- Ben Jamison, Kāpiti Business Chamber Chair
In stepping back from her formal governance role with the Chamber, Monique Leith was able to continue advancing this work as an expert voice for the sector—ensuring the insights gathered through the Chamber could be translated into tangible reform.
The Chamber sees this decision as foundational to Kāpiti’s future—ensuring the district's reputation as a great place to live is matched by a welcoming, fit-for-purpose regulatory environment.
“We’re proud to have played a catalytic role in this shift. This change reflects the power of sustained, constructive advocacy. It also demonstrates that when councils truly listen to the community and co-design solutions, real progress is possible.” - Monique Leith, Board Advisor and Former Chair, Kāpiti Business Chamber.
Monique Leith, Board Advisor, Kāpiti Business Chamber.