Council performance improving

Six months into the role, Mayor Tony Bonne is happy with the progress the Council is making towards improving transparency, efficiency and customer service.

When he took over the mayoralty last October, Mr Bonne promised to focus his attention on making improvements in these areas.

Mayor Bonne said regarding feedback from recent meetings. “A number of people have told me they were pleased with the service they’d received from the resource consents team and the finance department, showing that our focus on improved customer service is beginning to pay off.”

In an effort to meet with the community and stakeholders, the Mayor has been attending meetings and hosting a monthly morning coffee at various Whakatane cafés.

He said meetings held with the Rangitaiki community were another example of improved community engagement and building strong relationships.

“Councillors and I have met with the Rangitaiki Community Board and community members on a number of occasions. We’ve listened to the issues raised and have shared our ideas and plans. Some visionary ideas were put forward that will inform and influence future developments in the area.

The morning coffee meetings have also been successful and offer an approachable way for people to come and raise issues or share ideas,” said Mayor Bonne.

Closer scrutiny of council spending is aimed at exploiting efficiencies in business operations. The Monitoring and Policy Committee has improved the financial reporting process, making reports easier for councillors and the public to read and understand. A benchmark to monitor spending on consultants is currently being finalised by the Council’s Chief Financial Officer.

Please contact the council on 07 306 0500 to find out when the Mayor will be in your area or for the morning coffee meeting schedule.