Transport Agency funding investment audit gives Council the thumbs up

A recent audit of the New Zealand Transport Agency’s investment in the Kāpiti Coast District Council’s land transport programme has found Council procurement and financial practices to be in good shape.

Infrastructure Services Group Manager Sean Mallon says the purpose of the audit is to provide assurance that the New Zealand Transport Agency’s $8 million investment in the Council’s land transport programme is being well managed and delivering value for money.

“Transport Agency funding accounts for almost fifty percent of the total budget required to maintain our local roading and shared path network so it’s critically important that it’s managed responsibly.”

The report that was shared with the Council’s Audit and Risk Committee last week shows the Council is achieving good network outcomes as a result of good procurement processes and robust financial management.

Audit and Risk Committee Chair Councillor Mike Cardiff says the report demonstrates that the New Zealand Transport Agency’s investment in Kāpiti is in safe hands.

“It commends the Council’s management practices citing that there are good processes and supporting documentation in place to ensure the Council is getting value for money,” Councillor Cardiff said.

The New Zealand Transport Agency’s investment funding rate for the Council was 48% in the 2016/17 year. The rate will increase to 49% for this financial year, 50% in 2018/19 before reaching the maximum rate of 51% in 2019/20.

The Transport Agency also provides funding assistance for selected capital projects such as the Council’s Stride ‘n’ Ride Kāpiti Coast initiative which aims to improve walking and cycling connections between the district’s town centres and the Mackays to Peka Peka Cycleway, Walkway and Bridleway.

Councillor Cardiff says the Council would need to significantly increase rates or reduce levels of service if it was not able to secure funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

“The Council looks after more than 800 kilometres of local roads, shared paths and footpaths at an estimated cost of $11million per annum. Ensuring the Council meets the New Zealand Transport Agency’s funding requirements is a priority.”