Relationship with city set to continue

‘‘Extra staffing numbers come as a relief for our building services team. ’’

Shayne Harris

Palmerston North City Council and Manawatu District Council will continue to share staff for another five years.

Eight city council building officers are based at the district’s headquarters in Feilding with one more to follow, according to the contract renewal.

The district council announced the extension to the public last week as they looked to take Feilding into the next era.

Corporate and regulatory general manager Shayne Harris said the shared services contract offered a consistent approach, ensuring efficient delivery of services, such as building consents.

Harris was looking forward to continued work with the city to take the district through its ‘‘development era’’.

The district had recently seen unprecedented growth in new houses, buildings and subdivisions, which he said was set to continue.

‘‘Extra staffing numbers come as a relief for our building services team to ensure we accommodate the demand and increase in building consent applications and onsite inspections,’’ he said.

Palmerston North City Council’s customer services general manager Peter Eathorne said the renewal of the contract reinforced the strong working relationship with the district council.

‘‘I look forward to working with Manawatu District Council and continuing the delivery of building services that benefits both organisations and developers,’’ Mr Eathorne said.

The building services contract has been in place between both councils since 2007.