Ten things about Transformation

Published on 26 September 2025

We’ve changed the way we Waitaki, so you get the best for less.

With most of Council’s new ways of working in place, and the new digital technology being introduced, we want to share more about what this all means.

There’s a lot of things that have changed behind-the-scenes, like reorganising our teams so that infrastructure is managed by one team, rather than separate roading and waters teams. We’ll be telling you more about those in the future.

Here's seven things Transformation has done:

• A 9% reduction in FTE staff numbers, the largest drop this century.

• In-person services, six-days-a-week, in more locations than before.

• Call Assist and Knowledge Base tech-support for our Customer Liaison Team meaning you’ll get consistent, clear and quick answers.

• The Case Team who handle trickier requests, and can be your point of contact to see how things are going.

• Online forms make it easier than ever to submit applications.

• Locality teams of Area Leads, Capital and Contract Inspectors and Locality Officers for Waihemo, Ōamaru and Corriedale, and the Ahuriri areas.

• Improved communication, engagement and consultation approach, with a record number of submissions on this year’s Long Term Plan.

And here’s three things that are coming soon:

• We’re launching Citizen Central, where you will be able pay rates, dog registration and track your enquiries with Council online.

• An online booking system that’ll make it easier for people to book Council facilities from sports fields to the new Forrester Gallery education space.

• Expanding our ability to offer in-person Council services at the Waitaki Aquatic Centre.

It’s not over though. Continuous improvement, based on your feedback on the services we’re offering, is where we go next. While the formal Transformation Programme is ending, its work means Council is a more responsive, flexible and fit-for-purpose organisation for our community.

Here's the Transformation Project Check-In and Councillor Q&A

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz