Buller District Council to adopt 2022/23 Annual Report

Buller District Council (BDC) will adopt its 2022/23 Annual Report next week at the full council meeting on 17 December.

The auditor, Ernst & Young (EY) has issued a disclaimer on the 2022/23 Annual Report, reflecting areas where the council’s processes and systems did not meet the required standards for audit, and it also highlights past shortcomings.

Key issues where EY was unable to obtain sufficient or appropriate evidence to audit include, but are not limited to:

a. Infrastructure assets valuations
b. Work in progress
c. Subsidies and grants

BDC openly acknowledges these failings and recognises the importance of accountability in maintaining public trust.

Since the 2022/23 financial year covered by this report, council has taken steps to strengthen governance, financial management, and service delivery processes and procedures. Many of these improvements stem from the action plan put into place following the KPMG review of the Project Management Office (PMO).

Chief Executive Officer Simon Pickford says: “We acknowledge and accept the issues identified in the audit but have worked hard on the improvements made since then. Our focus is firmly set on building trust and delivering better outcomes for our community.

“We have been liaising closely with our funding partners and the steps we have taken since this report have given them confidence in our organisation going forward.”

The adoption of the 2022/23 Annual Report marks a turning point for BDC, and the council is confident that the changes implemented will ensure a stronger result in future audits.

During the council meeting, EY will also provide an update on the progress of the 2023/24 Annual Report audit, which is also outstanding, and is expected to be adopted at an Extraordinary Council Meeting in early 2026.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.