A CouncilMARK™ report issued for New Plymouth District Council says that while the region has experienced relative
prosperity and growth, changes to the economy of New Zealand’s ‘energy capital’ may present challenges.
The report, released today by the Independent Assessment Board, delivered a BBB grade to the council, praising their extensive
communication and engagement with the community and strategy in addressing risks to the region’s key industries,
particularly in relation to a zero-carbon economy.
CouncilMARK™ incorporates an independent assessment system that assesses how councils are performing and is designed to
support individual councils to improve the service and value they provide. Councils receive an overall performance
rating, from C to AAA from the Independent Assessment Board as well as commentary on their performance.
The report found that economic risks should serve as a catalyst for further analysis on the affordability of the current
service levels in response to economic changes, as well as developing better budget resilience.
“The council are rightly looking at how the region’s economy can transition and grow beyond the traditional industries
of energy and dairy, which have been cornerstones of the region for over 40 years,” says CouncilMARK™ Independent
Assessment Board Chair Toby Stevenson.
“It’s clear that New Plymouth residents have great lifestyle opportunities on their doorsteps, which the council and
staff are seeking to grow. They’ve done a great job of consulting with the community, who have called out zero waste,
three waters, the CBD and the Walkway as priority areas.”
“Having a tighter focus on a smaller number of goals could assist the council with making the most of opportunities. The
council have good operational strength across their roading and three waters networks, and their day-to-day services
could be enhanced by similar planning and performance measures.”
LGNZ President Dave Cull praised the council for undergoing a CouncilMARK™ assessment.
“Going under the microscope of a CouncilMARK™ is not always easy. The ratepayers of the region should be proud, not just
of the strong result, but the council’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.”
IAB Chair Toby Stevenson says the CouncilMARK™ report, which can be found here, measures indicators across leadership, finance, asset management, service delivery and community engagement.
“The report has been completed by independent assessors under the direction of the board, and offers an independent
assessment of the council’s performance in key areas, providing valuable information to the council and its community.
Measuring performance means councils can assess how to better deliver ongoing and increased value to ratepayers.”
“CouncilMARK™ has been designed to improve the public's knowledge of the work councils are doing in their communities
and to support individual councils to further improve the service and value they provide to all New Zealanders.”
Mr Stevenson says the focus is now on the programme’s third year and participation of all remaining councils.
“The more councils that embark on CouncilMARK™, the greater its impact will be in promoting continuous improvement and a
stronger reputation for the whole sector, which greatly benefits our country.”
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