Media release

For immediate publication

Friday, May 2, 2008

Rodney District Council walks the talk

Rodney District Council's CEO Rodger Kerr-Newell, has wasted no time living up to his no-nonsense reputation, announcing today a proposal to streamline his organisation and improve delivery of core services to ratepayers.

Mr Kerr-Newell says the proposal puts the council's 'money where its mouth is' having advocated strongly for improved services and greater cost efficiencies in its submission to the Royal Commission on Auckland governance.

"We know the current mish-mash in local government is unworkable and unsustainable, but our ratepayers cannot afford to wait three, maybe four years for any changes to be made," says Mr Kerr-Newell.

"This proposal is about providing the best possible service in a way that satisfies our ratepayers at the best possible price. It is about working smarter and doing better for our customers now."

Key to the proposal is improving customer service and consent processing times by providing a single point of contact for all regulatory permits, simplifying processes and regrouping staff.

"We have a dedicated team of hard working staff who will be able to work more efficiently in a structure that better supports them working together and makes the best use of limited resources," says Mr Kerr-Newell.

The Council's Mayor, Penny Webster, says the time is right for change.

"This council campaigned hard for change, and we are delighted that the new CEO is moving swiftly to fulfil these goals," says Mayor Webster.

The Council is following a robust change-management policy and consultation process and is seeking staff feedback on the proposal with a final decision to be announced in mid-May.

ENDS

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