Local government delivers on its commitment to better service
The release of a Ministry for the Environment (MfE) report into the implementation of the Resource Management Act (RMA) by councils shows the local government sector is achieving efficiencies.
"The report shows the local government sector is delivering on its commitment to efficient delivery of services and improved processes," said Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) President Lawrence Yule.
The recessionary impact on the total number of consents, in dropping from 51,960 to 36,154, has been marked. I know that councils have taken the opportunity because of these lower numbers to significantly improve their consenting processes and procedures. And the results show, said Mr Yule.
The report also identified that 82 per cent of local authorities ran customer satisfaction surveys. And of those providing full information, 91 per cent reported that most customers were either ‘satisfied' or ‘very satisfied'. "That is a good result and a ringing endorsement for councils commitment to effectively and efficiently servicing the needs of their communities,' Mr Yule said.
"The improvements councils have made in implementing the RMA are also good news for jobs and investment. The effectiveness of the consents processes is a critical component in creating opportunities for future development and that is why we are very pleased with the positive performance of our sector in this area." Mr Yule said.
While improvements have been made LGNZ agrees with the minister when he states that the RMA is not fixed. LGNZ has taken an active interest in RMA reforms and looks forward to continued involvement in the future.
To read the full report visit the MfE website.
Posted 30 September 2011
