There is so much more to do, and now’s the time.

Firstly, thank you. Over the last three years, I’ve felt honoured and supported to serve and represent the place we love and call home. 

Collectively, we have increased investment in expanding youth services, adopted the Climate Emergency Action Framework, established a Raumati Community Board, championed our community’s aspirations and signed off on Te Tupu Pai – our district growth strategy which puts our people and planet at its core. 

There are challenges and opportunities in Kāpiti’s midst, and we need dynamic, collaborative and intergenerational leadership if we are to create an equitable and sustainable future for our district, today. 

Since a young age, I have held the environment closely and always felt a strong connection to and need to protect this one planet we share. I founded School Strike 4 Climate in Aotearoa NZ and went on to coordinate the movement which mobilised 170,000 people across the country in September of 2019, united for climate justice. I then ran for Council at the age of 18 and was elected as one of Aotearoa’s youngest Councillors, now holding the Climate & Youth portfolios on the Kāpiti Coast District Council. I am also studying part time at Victoria University of Wellington, doing a Bachelor of Communications, Majoring in Political Comms. Having represented NZ through APEC Voices of the Future and Ship for World Youth, I’m committed to seeing us as communities and as a country lead our world to a better future for the next generation.  

My commitment and connections to our diverse community alongside my proven ability to work efficiently and effectively put me in a prime position to continue the mahi on the Kāpiti Coast District Council. 

The next generation is counting on us.

– Sophie.

Stuff: Kāpiti Coast activist-turned-councillor Sophie Handford reflects on two years in the job

Herald: Activist and councillor Sophie Handford announces she will seek re-election

Authorised by Sophie Handford, [email protected]