Independent Report confirms Council a standout example of Local Government

Central Hawke’s Bay is well on track for a thriving future, after Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has achieved the second highest performance rating possible and commended for punching above its weight in an independent local government assessment of its performance. 

CouncilMARK a local government independent assessment programme, assesses the performance of local authorities across key areas and is designed to support Councils to improve the service and value they provide.   

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has been awarded an ‘AA’ result in its second assessment, up three grades from the ‘BB’ result achieved in its first assessment in 2018.  The ‘AA’ assessment sees Council being one of only two Councils in New Zealand to hold the ‘AA’ grading, the highest grade currently awarded in New Zealand, being recognised as a high performing, rural local authority on the back of significant change. 

Mayor Alex Walker describes the ‘AA’ CouncilMARK grading as validation for the community of the change they sought for their future in the 2016 local body elections, and confirmation of the deliberate and purposeful approach Council has led to deliver on community aspirations through Project Thrive.   

“As community and local government head into uncertain times through both pandemic and reform in 2022, I am incredibly proud that we have built a high performing Council that will set our Central Hawke’s Bay community up well to ride through that change. There are so many people that work so hard for this community, and I have always seen it as vital that they have a Council that is strong, credible and professional to be able work with them.” 

While positive about the outcome of the assessment, Councils Chief Executive Officer Monique Davidson still recognises there is still work for Council to do.  

“The results of CouncilMARK sends a clear message to the community that this is a Council they should have pride in, that is not just heading in the right direction, but leading the way in many aspects”, say Mrs Davidson.   

“As management, this assessment forms a key part of Councils continuous improvement processes, providing us with clear focus areas for improvement, ensuring that we continue to focus on and enhance the services and value our community receive from Council”.  

The CouncilMARK Assessors particularly noted Councils transformation and its clear alignment with the purpose of the four well-being of the Local Government.   

“Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has undergone a transformation over the past three to four years. Today, Council’s engagement with the community and understanding of community needs is comprehensive, and Council has the political will and management drive to respond and deliver to identified needs. Their actions are highly aligned with the purpose of local government”. 

The full assessment report and how Council scored can be viewed here.

Read the LGNZ Media Release here 

14 February 2022

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