12 May 2025

Deputy Mayor Lawrence Kirby has confirmed he will seek re-election as a Districtwide Councillor in the upcoming local body elections, standing for consistent, practical leadership and experienced governance.

Kirby, who has served as Deputy Mayor since 2022, says he has enjoyed his first term serving on Council as part of a team that has been performing well, providing what he feels has been good governance under Mayor Holborow’s leadership.

This time his focus is on continuity, stability, and making decisions that balance the needs of Kāpiti’s diverse district with the legislative responsibilities of the Council.

“You need governance experience to work through the grey areas — said Kirby. “The space where community aspirations and council responsibilities meet. It’s about knowing how to ask the right questions, bring context to the conversation, and find a path that genuinely serves the community.”

Throughout his term, Kirby has taken a measured approach to Council finances, consistently advocating for leaner rate increases and pushing for greater transparency in how public money is spent.

“I’m comfortable both asking and responding to the hard questions. I make it a priority to get out into the community — to have one-to-one conversations, to show up in public forums, and to make sure people feel heard. Every line item matters because every dollar comes from our community. We have to balance the very real cost pressures facing families, our retired residents, and our most vulnerable, alongside the infrastructure and investment that keeps our communities functioning and thriving.”

Kirby says leadership continuity, good governance, and fiscal responsibility remain central to his re-election bid — but it’s likewise important to get economic development right. He sees local businesses and their people as a key foundation for a thriving future across the district, because when businesses do well, so do livelihoods, families, and the wider community.

He believes building trust with the business community is essential to supporting growth, secure jobs, and long-term community wellbeing.

“We need a clear vision, the right strategy, and the conditions that give businesses confidence to grow, take risks, and thrive,” he said. “It’s not about overstepping and doing it ourselves. It’s about listening, setting things up well, enabling their success, and then knowing when to get out of the way.”

Kirby sees strong local economic development as a foundation for delivering the social, cultural, and environmental outcomes the district needs — and a key part of building a resilient future for future generations.

With over two decades of governance and public leadership experience, he says he’s driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a long-standing commitment to Kāpiti.

“This is about service, not status. I want to help make decisions that hold up over time. We owe it to future generations to get this stuff right. For me, this is a long-term commitment to listen, learn and lead.”

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