Building survey's good result

BUILDING owners, builders, developers and designers involved in the Manawatu District Council’s recent Building Services customer survey have rated as “good” the overall service they receive.

Nearly 100 respondents took part in the survey – a second for the district following a similar exercise in 2010 – that is part of the department’s commitment to providing an effective, efficient and friendly service.

Participants were asked questions on applications for Project Information Memoranda (PIMs), building consents, Certificates of Acceptances, Certificates for Public Use, Code Compliance Certificates, provision of building information or advice and building complaints.

Regulatory Supervisor Karel Boakes said the result was consistent with the previous survey and showed the department rating a maximum five (“very good”) in areas of introduction, manner/tone, listening skills, ability to answer enquiries and willingness to help.

Ms Boakes said it was heartening for the average target objective of four (“good”) to be achieved and to receive such positive feedback.

“In general, we can conclude that we are meeting the needs of our customers and fulfilling our quality policy objective.”

She said a number of respondents, however, felt there were some areas that needed improvement, such as the cost of fees (many said they were too high), the inspection waiting list, interpretation of the legislation and on-going communication during the consenting process.

“There is also a perception that the department is under-resourced as respondents indicated they wanted a shorter timeframe for simple consents such as garages and sheds,” said Ms Boakes.

Though she would have liked more replies, the survey was “always worthwhile” because of the comments that were received.

“People who have an opinion and actually put pen to paper want you to hear about it and obviously it’s worth acting upon.”

The comments relating to areas for improvement are now being considered by council management.