An independent performance evaluation report by Local Government New Zealand’s ‘Te Korowai’ has highlighted both strengths and weaknesses at the Otago Regional Council (ORC).

ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said the report is “a good step in benchmarking where the regional council is at, and more importantly which areas need focus to deliver the best outcomes”.

“The report identifies ORC’s strengths and weaknesses, through the eyes of staff, councillors, iwi partners and other stakeholders; both the positives and areas where improvements are needed”. 

He acknowledged there was “plenty to focus on” in the report’s ‘area of improvements’.

The report recommended the regional council consolidate its State of the Environment report to stocktake Otago’s environment, provide a better explanation of the approach to land and water planning, further its investigations into the management of ORC investments, and continue to develop the approach to catchment management.

It also “needs to grow further to address issues such as land and water management”, the report said.

“In the background, there is an emerging question of mitigation of climate change effects that needs to be addressed catchment by catchment.”

Te Korowai also recognised ORC’s strong commitment to building science and environmental capability, achieving quick turnaround times and reduced costs for those seeking consents, plus delivering a financial strategy greatly simplifying the rating regime.

ORC’s overall performance in the report was rated ‘Mauri tū – Active’, which recognised there are some highlights and considerable work in progress to build council into a mature institution and in developing the planning and regulatory frameworks.

The rating categories range from Mauri moe - Inactive (lowest) to Mauri oho - Aware, before Mauri tū – Active and lastly Mauri ora - Thriving (highest).

Richard said the report provided a “great insight” into how the ORC can further evolve to meet demands “from the up-front environmental issues through to back-room strategies and streamlining the delivery of services”.

“A plan for the next steps will be developed alongside ORC’s broader Business Improvement Framework,” he said

The plan and regular progress reports on implementation will be provided to council along with reporting on business improvement initiatives, including the Efficiency Review implementation, he added.

The report will be presented to councillors at today’s (Wednesday February 15) meeting. 

PHOTO: ORC