Leading locally
Competent
The Council operates in a collaborative manner at all levels of the organisation and is experiencing real success in achieving its vision for Upper Hutt. To ensure there is further and enduring success, greater structure and detail needs to be brought to some of its systems and processes.
Upper Hutt is enjoying an economic renaissance that provides the Council with a significant opportunity to deliver long-term benefits for its community if effective planning and delivery is embedded within the organisation.
Investing money well
Variable
Upper Hutt City Council has recognised the need to increase rates and is doing so over several years. Now the Council needs to adjust fees as a growth council.
The Council has managed its finances closely, and rating levels are low but need to increase.
The Council recognises that it must now keep up with replacement of assets as well as paying for infrastructure for growth. The Council intends to do this by increasing rates, borrowing for asset replacement and has sought and gained an A+ Standard & Poor’s credit rating.
Delivering what’s important
Competent
Upper Hutt City Council is a relatively small council with a clear focus on community wellbeing and a pragmatic approach to delivery of services.
There is close attention to value for money and a strong view that ratepayers have a say in what community services are delivered.
There has been considerable effort to upgrade core capabilities and competencies in key areas of IT, asset management, project management and management of capital projects.
Listening and responding
Variable
The Council has pockets of genuine strength across its communication and engagement activities, with some very positive community relationships. Bringing a clearer sense of direction to its planning documents, with a stronger emphasis on outcomes and performance measures, would help deliver greater consistency and improve overall public satisfaction.
The Council has addressed some priority areas for communication and engagement with successful outcomes but has yet to achieve this in all areas.