Economic Development Strategy - Kaikōura 2075 - CLOSED
Economic Development Strategy Clarification of Dates and Process
Clarification Regarding the Economic Development Strategy Consultation Process 30/06/2026
It has come to our attention that incorrect information is circulating regarding an important Council project — the KDC Economic Development Strategy.
We wish to clarify several important facts about the process currently underway.
Earlier this year, we sought feedback on an initial draft of the Economic Development Strategy.
As a result of that process, it was determined that a five-year action plan would also be developed to support the strategy. Feedback received during the initial consultation has been incorporated, and we are now undertaking targeted stakeholder discussions in preparation for a Special Consultative Procedure, which is scheduled to begin in September.
We understand that a website operated by an individual states that a Special Consultative Procedure is currently underway and that submissions close at the end of today.
This information is incorrect.
The proposed dates for the KDC Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan Special Consultative Procedure are as follows:
- Draft sign-off by Council: 26 August
- Consultation begins: 21 September
- Consultation ends: 26 October
- Hearing date: 11 November
- Adoption of Strategy: 25 November
We encourage residents, businesses, and stakeholders to rely on official KDC communication channels for accurate and up-to-date information about this project and all Council consultation processes.
The following consultation has now closed.
Economic Development Strategy
Kaikōura’s draft Economic Development Strategy 2075 sets out a long‑term, community‑driven vision for a regenerative, resilient, year‑round economy shaped by our unique mountains‑to‑sea environment. The strategy brings together extensive local engagement, key planning documents, and a clear set of priorities focused on housing and community wellbeing, building a more diverse economy, strengthening renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, and creating connected, liveable, environmentally rich places. It is a high‑level framework, not a building plan, and is designed to guide decision‑making over the next 50 years while protecting what makes Kaikōura special.
At its heart, this strategy is about our people flourishing. It recognises that Kaikōura’s future relies on a community where residents feel connected, safe, supported, and able to build good lives for themselves and their whānau. Everything in the strategy is designed to strengthen those foundations so that quality of life improves now and for generations to come.
Council is now seeking community feedback to help refine and strengthen the draft strategy before it is finalised. This engagement phase is an opportunity for residents, businesses, iwi, and stakeholders to share what they support, what concerns them, and what they believe could be improved. To support the community’s understanding of the strategy, a detailed Questions and Answers document has been prepared and released alongside the draft.
Consultation will run from 2 March to 2 April 2026, and feedback can be emailed to submissions@kaikoura.govt.nz.
All input will help shape the final version of the strategy, which will be presented to Council for adoption later in April. We encourage everyone to take part and help guide the future of Kaikōura’s economy and community.
