Council ‘overhaul’ to meet challenges
THE Waitaki District Council plans to make major changes after committing in June to a ‘‘Transformation Programme’’ to address new challenges and risks that need to be faced by the district and the council.
The overall aim is for the council to become a ‘‘leading, innovative council ‘delivering the best’ for its communities’’.
On Tuesday, councillors will consider the next stage of the programme, the ‘‘Case for Change and Ambitions’’.
The paper sets out the reasons for change and how the organisation aims to get through the transformation process.
Council chief executive Alex Parmley said the programme would not just be tinkering or simply restructuring management.
‘‘This is an overhaul of everything we do — our systems, processes, operating model, technology and culture — so we can get a better result for our community.
‘‘We are learning from what councils in other countries have done and from the business world so we can operate in a different and better way.’’
The changes would be made in stages, Mr Parmley said.
‘‘We are not a big organisation and so we do not have the capacity to change everything at once while we deliver services and other projects.
‘‘It will take time if we are to do it well. ’’
Maven Consulting would be the contracting firm helping the council through the process.
‘‘As well as drawing on my experience of leading transformation programmes in two other councils in the UK, we will draw on other expertise where required, including our partners, Maven Consulting, who have worked with many commercial, community and public service organisations to design and deliver transformational change.’’
He was looking forward to working with elected members, staff, partner organisations, communities and customers to deliver a council ‘‘that not only delivers for our district, but which is also valued by our communities and that we are all proud of’’, Mr Parmley said.
The council was facing growing demands and increased costs.
‘‘Like all councils, we face a range of reforms including Three Waters, Resource Management Act and the Future for Local Government Review and we need to respond to this onslaught of legislative change to key services we deliver . . . Therefore, it is clear we will not meet our ambitions operating the way we are. We need to change.’’