Dunedin (Tuesday, 26 February 2019) – An independent assessment of the Dunedin City Council rates its performance amongst the country’s best.

The DCC received an ‘A’ grading following an independent assessment known as CouncilMARK – a programme run through Local Government New Zealand. The DCC is one of only six New Zealand councils to have received an overall grading of A or better.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, “We’re delighted with the outcome. The assessment was an independent and thorough examination of all aspects of the DCC, and the A grade is an endorsement that, overall, we’re on the right track.

“The CouncilMARK report notes that the DCC has a clear strategic vision, sound financial management, is improving the way it delivers services, and maintains strong links with the community and stakeholders.

“The report also makes it clear, however, that there is no time for resting on our laurels. We need to continue to make improvements so that we can deliver on all that we’ve said we will in our current 10 year plan,” says Mr Cull.

Chief Executive Sue Bidrose says, “The A grade result reflects the work that the dedicated and passionate staff at the DCC do every day to help make the city a better place.

“I feel privileged and really proud to lead such a such an exceptional group of staff and, along with them, I look forward to helping the city further build on its many recent successes,” says Dr Bidrose.

The CouncilMARK assessment involved the DCC submitting detailed answers to questions in four priority areas: governance, leadership and strategy; financial decision making and transparency; service delivery and asset management; and communicating and engaging with the public and business.

Two independent assessors then spent two days on-site interviewing staff, elected members and key external stakeholders.

An independent board, which has oversight of all the CouncilMARK assessments and can compare and moderate against those, then awarded the DCC a mark.

The final report, outlining the DCC’s strengths and areas for improvement is made publicly available at www.lgnz.co.nz/about-councilmark/results.

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