Source: Radio New Zealand
Wellington. Wellington City Council
Wellington City Council could save tens of millions of dollars through cost-cutting, such as reducing staff, according to a new report.
In August, the then-new council chief executive Matt Prosser commissioned independent analysis from Deloitte of the council’s processes, and find opportunities to improve its performance and rates affordability.
That report was revealed on Tuesday afternoon, and highlighted issues such as the council’s aging technology, double-handling and ambiguity around the council’s roles and how it differed from central government.
It said through “right shaping” the council workforce and optimising spending through better governance, contract compliance and strategic sourcing, the council could save up to $79 million over three years.
Prosser said some of Deloitte’s recommendations were at odds with the wishes of the community and decisions previously made by the council.
Matt Prosser. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
“It’s important we don’t get ahead of the democratic decision processes at the heart of local government.
“We will critically assess everything in the report against the needs and aspirations of our communities.”
He said in the short-term the council would be focused on finding cost savings and making operational improvements.
“Throughout this process our staff will be kept informed, and we will seek their views on the initiatives raised in the report. As is council’s practice, we will also be engaging with the unions.”
The council had removed 58 roles over the past few months, he said.
“We’ve also kicked off a programme to improve our delivery across a number of areas including contract management, procurement and asset management.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
