23 November 2017

More councils to take CouncilMARK™ opportunity in programme’s second year

Following a successful first year of the CouncilMARK™ local government excellence programme further councils have already signed up to begin the process.

The inaugural CouncilMARK™ year had 18 Foundations Councils sign up, with 15 reports released so far. Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wairoa District Council and Upper Hutt City Council in the process of completing the programme.

Councils signed up to the programme in 2018 are Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Dunedin City Council, Hauraki District Council, Mackenzie District Council, Manawatu District Council, Tararua District Council and Taupo District Council.

A number of other councils have indicated their intention to participate pending full council support.

LGNZ president Dave Cull says CouncilMARK™ is an important component towards an ongoing goal of lifting the perceptions and performance of local government.

“The CouncilMARK™ process has proved to be a valuable tool, with a number of councils reporting they are using the findings to help them make improvements and to provide a benchmark for their current level of performance. It is great to see more councils getting on board and I urge other councils to consider when they join the programme,” Mr Cull says.

“CouncilMARK™ provides incredibly valuable information that can help councils with how they operate, what they’re getting right and areas for improvement. And it gives communities the same information, allowing them an independent view of the work their local councils are doing.

“As a sector we understand we need to constantly show and grow our performance, and CouncilMARK™ offers an excellent opportunity to work towards that. I congratulate all those councils to have already completed the programme and those about to embark on the journey.”

There is capacity for more councils to participate in CouncilMARK™ and LGNZ will be making further calls for expressions of interest in 2018.

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For more information contact LGNZ’s Deputy Chief Executive Advocacy, Helen Mexted on 029 924 1221 or helen.mexted@lgnz.co.nz

About CouncilMARK™
CouncilMARK™ is a system designed by the local government sector to show and grow the value of local government in New Zealand.

Established in response to reputation research which showed an opportunity for local government improvement, CouncilMARK measures indicators across leadership, finance, service delivery and community engagement to highlight both the good and the areas for progress, and chart a way forward for local government improvement. Participating councils are assessed by independent experts every three years, given an overall rating from triple AAA to C, and the results publicised.

For more information visit www.councilmark.co.nz

About LGNZ and local government in New Zealand
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is the peak body representing New Zealand's 78 local, regional and unitary authorities. LGNZ advocates for local democracy, develops local government policy, and promotes best practice and excellence in leadership, governance and service delivery. Through its work strengthening sector capability, LGNZ contributes to the economic success and vibrancy of communities and the nation.

The local government sector plays an important role. In addition to giving citizens a say in how their communities are run, councils own a broad range of community assets worth more than $120 billion. These include 90 per cent of New Zealand's road network, the bulk of the country's water and waste water networks, and libraries, recreation and community facilities. Council expenditure is approximately $8.5 billion dollars, representing approximately 4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product and 11 per cent of all public expenditure.

For more information visit www.lgnz.co.nz

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