29 May 2009

Review Endorses Papakura’s Building Consent Authority
• Independent review and assessment of building consent processes
• Papakura is first to pass assessment in Auckland region

Papakura residents can be assured that the Papakura District Council’s building services are up there with the best.

The Council’s Building Consent Authority (BCA) is the first in the Auckland region – and third in New Zealand – to pass a second external assessment and have its accreditation extended.

In April, a team of four from the government’s technical accreditation authority, IANZ, conducted a rigorous three-day assessment of Papakura BCA. This covered the technical competence of staff who process building consents and undertake inspections along with the BCA’s procedures and quality assurance measures.

The assessment team’s report made special mention of the high level of compliance with BCA regulations and of the level of enthusiasm, involvement and commitment shown by all BCA staff members.

Chief Executive Theresa Stratton says this independent confirmation of the competence and effectiveness of the building control functions is a key element in the Council’s risk management process.

Papakura BCA first achieved accreditation in January 2008. Manager Steve Hull says the accreditation rules require that operations be re-assessed every two years to confirm that technical competence has been maintained and that procedures are being followed.

“We were aware after the first assessment that our systems had room for improvement. I think most BCAs were in the same situation - we just wanted to get over the bar. Since then the Papakura team has worked very hard to make sure we have robust systems in place and we are continuing to improve them.”

This offered the Council and residents of the District assurance that standards will be maintained during the coming introduction of the Auckland “supercity”.

Councillor Caroline Conroy, Chair of the Resource Management and Regulatory Committee is also happy with the achievement.

“We are now confident that Papakura will have available technically competent building control services throughout the amalgamation period, and we are very proud of our achievement. To be first in the Auckland region is one thing; to be third in the country is really something to celebrate. That we got through so quickly, ahead of almost all other Councils, is a real credit to the building team.”

ENDS

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