The council commissioned an independent review of its consents function late last year and the result of that review was released in March.
The review outlined many problems with its systems, including some which were ''dangerously close'' to being unlawful.
A report discussed at a council committee meeting yesterday outlined a raft of alterations the council made in that area.
The review said when processing consents the council always and only identified iwi, the Department of Conservation and Fish and Game as affected parties.
The council now trained staff on identifying affected parties, the report said.
The council was also recruiting two ''team leaders'' in the department, one in Alexandra and one in Dunedin.
In regards to an issue of staff accepting incomplete consent applications which could lead to processing problems, the council implemented a more ''rigorous'' assessment of consent completeness.
It also sought ''significant external legal and planning advice'' in relation to deemed permit renewal.
Cr Gretchen Robertson said the changes were a ''good news story for consenting''.
It was better to identify problems with the way the council functioned than go forward ''blind'', she said.
''There are certain things we need to do differently or better. That's great, that's what we're going to do.''
Cr Bryan Scott said the council's demands were ''significantly increasing'' regarding consenting, and the review was commissioned to see whether the council could keep up with this demand.
The review found issues, which seemed to be being fixed, he said.
Council consents manager Joanna Gilroy said the ''next cab off the rank'' were changes to the proposed ''6A'' plan to improve water quality.
''There's a lot to do, but we know where we're going with that,'' Ms Gilroy said.
