Council Supports a New Approach

At its meeting on Wednesday the Central Otago District Council considered a
report from the Chief Executive Officer about adopting a more customer
responsive and efficient approach called the Vanguard Method. 

On-going growth pressures driving rate increases, at a level of close to 10%
per annum, together with additional pressure on budgets owing to national
requirements, like the Health Act and compliance costs with the new water
standard called for a different approach. 

The Chief Executive Officer outlined how the traditional management system
for operating business generated waste. 

After researching alternative operation methods and trialling the Vanguard
Method in building and planning consents process, results showed reduced
timeframes and costs, as well as more positive customer feedback. 

Council agreed to adopt the Vanguard method and engage Vanguard
consulting to implement the roads and consent interventions. Funding is to
come from existing budgets, plus a contribution from Land Transport New
Zealand as well as an internal loan of $140, 000 to be repaid from savings
generated.