Innovation and partnerships set to save millions for Hamilton
29 August 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A new ‘whole of Council’ approach to managing Hamilton’s biggest-ever 10-Year Plan budget is set to deliver millions of dollars of savings in the next decade.

In June this year Hamilton City Council signed off a 10-Year Plan which included a record $2 billion of new investment in roads, water and wastewater services, parks and community facilities, and to support growth.

After the Plan was adopted, Chief Executive Richard Briggs initiated a reorganisation of the Council’s City Infrastructure Group to deliver this investment in the most efficient, innovative and cost-effective way.

Mr Briggs says the change reflects the Council’s commitment to challenging the status quo to continually deliver the best possible outcomes for the community.

“This new way of doing business can deliver our $2 billion capital programme around 9% cheaper, saving $30 million in interest, $15 million in depreciation and $143 million in debt over the next 10 years,” Mr Briggs says.

The former City Infrastructure Group has been split into two sections - a Development Group, focussing on capital expenditure across all areas of the Council, and an Infrastructure Operations Group which will focus on delivering and maintaining essential services to the city.

“Our capital programme includes building new roads, a new bridge over the Waikato River, new reservoirs and new community facilities including playgrounds, parks, and a Rototuna Community Hub including a library,” Mr Briggs says.

“With significant growth in Hamilton the Infrastructure Operations Group has a critical role to provide for the health of our communities through high quality water, wastewater and stormwater services, rubbish and recycling and to ensure safety and accessibility for all transport modes.

The Development Group will be headed by Chris Allen, former General Manager of City Infrastructure. Mr Allen has provided leadership for the long-term strategic development of Hamilton’s infrastructure since 2008 and was previously Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Manager for Transit.

Eeva-Liisa Wright has been appointed General Manager of Infrastructure Operations. Mrs Wright was formerly Group Business Manager for City Infrastructure and has held a variety of senior technical infrastructure roles with the Council since 2008, particularly in waters management.

“There has been a massive amount of work to set up this new structure and all staff involved have done an amazing job in just a few weeks since the 10-Year Plan was confirmed. Every level of the business is contributing and there’s a real sense of pride and individual responsibility in the work we do for our city,” Mr Briggs says.

“This change is not just about identifying savings, it’s about building strategic partnerships to benefit the city and reduce the impact on ratepayers.

“These are exciting times for Hamilton. Innovation and efficiencies are crucial as we deliver the Council’s 10-Year Plan and build a more vibrant, attractive and prosperous city,” Mr Briggs says.

© Scoop Media