Media Release
4 October 2012
HBRC & DOC share services in Wairoa

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the Department of Conservation are now sharing services in Wairoa.

DOC has just moved its field base into HBRC’s Wairoa office, after the lease on its premises recently expired.

The move comes as Hawke’s Bay, Horizons and Greater Wellington Regional Councils and DOC explore ways to work together to find greater efficiencies in the way natural resources are managed in the lower North Island.

DOC Hawke’s Bay Area Manager Chris Lester says the move was a logical progression given the work underway in the Nature Central project.

“The aim of that project is to bring DOC and regional council staff closer together and to build on the existing strong relationships they share. This move will improve efficiencies and allow opportunities to look for synergies between the two organisations’ work streams,” says Mr Lester.

“HBRC and DOC staff are engaged in similar activities so closer relationships will result in better communications and cooperation, which in time will deliver savings and efficiencies.”

HBRC Chief Executive Andrew Newman agrees.

“The Wairoa initiative is a great example of the Nature Central project being put into practise,” says Mr Newman.

It is expected the two organisations will seek similar opportunities elsewhere in the region if efficiencies can be demonstrated.

ENDS