Friction between Invercargill’s councillors has been highlighted as possibly undermining the effectiveness of the long-term plan (LTP) public consultation process.
In the report tabled for today’s Invercargill City Council (ICC) Risk and Assurance committee meeting, ICC strategy and policy manager Rhiannon Suter highlighted the most significant risk to the 2021-2031 LTP’s delivery was delays to the audit process.
"Due to the need to start the audit process later than originally desired, in order to fit into Audit New Zealand’s workflow, there is no slippage time available.
"The first possible date on which the LTP can be adopted and the rates struck, is also the last: June 30, 2021."
She also highlighted the impact councillors could have on the public consultation process if they did not agree with decisions made as a group and undermined the process. However, steps were being taken to alleviate the risk.
"There remains a risk of contention between councillors reducing the effectiveness of the consultation period. However, councillors are actively working together and we will workshop ways for councillors to communicate when their individual opinion diverges from the decisions on the plan which they have made as a group.
"This risk was identified under the governance review and remains under active management by the independent Governance appointees."
The council is also expecting a "larger than usual" number of submissions due to proposed changes in the rating system and Southland Museum and Art Gallery, the report says.
Once made public, between eight and 10 engagement events would be held around the Invercargill and Bluff areas, in a variety of styles — some being roundtable discussions and some at larger events and busier locations. Councillors would also be present at these discussions and would be supported by staff from ICC.
Public consultation was set to take place between March 30 and May 3.