Waitaki District Council Faces Overwhelming Challenges, CEO Reports

The Waitaki District Council (WDC) is grappling with significant pressures as staff face an overwhelming workload, according to a recent report from Chief Executive Alex Parmley. The report highlights various challenges, particularly in the final quarter of the financial year, as the council works to finalize its long-term plan and respond to multiple government reforms.

The council’s responsibilities have expanded considerably, encompassing the implementation of the government’s Local Water Done Well reforms and navigating the complexities of the Resource Management Act (RMA) reform. Additionally, staff are tasked with progressing a transformation programme aimed at enhancing the council’s operations while also delivering essential services to the community.

Parmley noted, “The past year, including the last quarter, has seen the organisation, its capacity and its people stretched to being close to overwhelmed with the volume of high-priority work.” He emphasized the commitment of staff and governance teams during this challenging period, acknowledging their efforts to maintain service delivery amidst mounting pressures.

Transformation Efforts Amidst Challenges

The report further elaborates on the transformation programme, which has produced “significant” improvements in service delivery. However, unforeseen challenges related to the Local Water Done Well reforms have created additional workloads for staff after councillors reversed an initial preferred option. This has compounded the difficulties associated with the long-term plan and the ongoing review of the district plan, resulting in increased demands on resources.

Despite these challenges, the implementation of a new customer service model has reportedly enhanced access to services, improved the speed of service delivery, and increased resource efficiency. “Transformational change of this scale can be disruptive,” Parmley stated, “Overall though, during the transformation, services have largely been maintained with minimal levels of disruption.”

Significant projects, including the Network Waitaki Sports and Events Centre, the Forrester Gallery Extension, and the Kakanui Bridge replacement, are progressing well, showcasing the council’s ability to manage large-scale initiatives despite the operational strain.

Impact on Staff and Service Delivery

Despite the progress, some areas have experienced temporary disruptions. The library service and governance support faced challenges as the council struggled to find the capacity needed for planned changes. As a result, service standards in these areas declined for a period.

The ongoing focus on maintaining “business as usual” during transformational changes has led to increased pressure on staff. Parmley pointed out that the fear of failure and its consequences have contributed to a slow-down in the progress of transformation, though it has not halted efforts altogether.

As the WDC navigates these difficulties, the resilience and dedication of its staff remain crucial to delivering essential services to the community. The council is now tasked with balancing ongoing reform efforts with the pressing needs of its constituents, ensuring that it can meet both current and future challenges effectively.