Te Korowai framework invaluable says Central Hawkes Bay District Council

Central Hawkes Bay District Council (CHBDC) has been awarded positive marks by LGNZ’s Te Korowai local government continuous improvement programme, recognising the council’s notable development – despite the immense disruption caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

LGNZ’s Te Korowai supports councils through benchmarking, action planning, and evaluations every three years, with this evaluation commissioned in June 2024. The programme provides councils with insights and tools to strengthen governance, leadership, decision-making, transparency, and engagement with community.

CHBDC Chief Executive Doug Tate says the Te Korowai Report establishes an invaluable benchmark for continuous improvement.

“It’s independent assurance of what we’ve got right and shows us where we can continue to improve for the future.”

CHBDC was awarded a Mauri Tū or 'Active' grade in its evaluation report, issued by Te Korowai’s Independent Evaluation Panel. It confirms the council is in a strong position to build on the momentum of its recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, with capable leadership, effective community engagement, and clear pockets of strong performance — particularly in governance, asset management, and people and culture.

Tate says the report recognises the council’s hard work and strategic approach in addressing its infrastructure and recovery challenges.

“On the back of the extreme challenges of Cyclone Gabrielle and recovery, achieving the Mauri tū – Active benchmark as a council is a positive place to be and recognises the strength and resilience of the organisation and its people,” says Doug Tate.

Te Korowai Chair Toby Stevenson says that CHBDC is a great example of a small, rural council working hard to overcome some huge challenges.

“This report is a good outcome for CHBDC; they've demonstrated commitment and follow-through and they’re well placed to return to a more strategic and future-focused planning approach again, following the cyclone,” says Toby Stevenson.

“CHBDC members have shown great strength and unity in their participation in this programme, with input from 95 people including staff, councillors and ELT members — alongside a range of stakeholders who shared their views openly and constructively, providing a balanced view of the council's performance.

“The report found CHBDC has a clear connection to communities and their priorities, reflected in a strategy and mirrored in councillor priorities, with strong alignment to council activities. They’ve also worked hard to improve their asset management and contract management skills.

“We look forward to working with CHBDC on their next report in three years' time, to see how they’ve continued on their path of positive change.”

View the full Te Korowai report here