Kia Ora Koutou
 
I wanted to update you on the on-going challenges we are having with timely processing of consents, that are complex and require structural engineering input and the impacts of Omicron.
 
We are, like many businesses in Wellington and New Zealand, starting to experience the impacts and staff absences due to Covid. 
 
Since November last year we have been managing a staff roster system and have implemented business continuity processes to minimise Covid impacts. With Covid numbers increasing significantly in the region it is inevitable that despite our best efforts we are beginning to see cases in our business. We are working hard to minimise these but, the reality is we are likely to face additional pressure on consent processing and inspections while we get through the pandemic.

In regards to structural processing of building consents;

Senior Managers and staff have put significant effort and work into managing and addressing the delays being experienced. I know the delays have impacts on your ability to do your work and are extremely frustrating for many of you and we take this seriously.

We are taking a number of actions to address the delays including:

• Staff working overtime to process consents
• We have acquired additional external expertise to assist with structural and geotech reviews of consents,
• Running a procurement process to acquire additional engineering firms to provide review support,
• Recruiting for two new in-house engineer positions to support technical reviews of consents.
• Reviewing processes to ensure consents receive the appropriate reviews depending on engineering complexities.

Unfortunately none of these actions will improve timeliness immediately. Like many of you, we are experiencing the shortage of expertise from contractors. So I ask that despite your understandable frustration with the delays that your discussions with staff remain civil, as they are doing their best in a difficult situation.

Where you feel the need to escalate timeliness issues can you please contact us at BCCconsentleaders@wcc.govt.nz