The investigation into the decision-making and other processes leading to the construction of the Waimea Dam by the Council was received and discussed by the Tasman District Council at today's meeting.
Overseen by the independent chair of the Council's Audit and Risk Committee, Graham Naylor, the investigation was undertaken by PJ & Associates. The draft report was considered last week at a workshop of the Audit and Risk Committee with an opportunity to seek clarity or more detail from the investigator before the report was finalised.
Initially requested by a number of Councillors earlier this year, the investigation traversed several factors including the appropriateness of the project itself.
In receiving the report Mayor Tim King said this was always going to be a challenging project given its size, multi-benefit scope, public/private ownership, let alone the mix of public and private funding at a national and local level.
"As such, it has and will continue to attract a great deal of interest and comment."
The investigation has found that the information provided to Council was generally robust, and the decisions were appropriate with no evidence of bias by officers.
"The investigation found no evidence of impropriety, hasty or uninformed decision-making or any conflicts of interest," King said.
"I would expect nothing less. That said, it is only natural there will be lessons to be learnt that can be applied to future public infrastructure projects and processes and not just in Tasman. It is also pleasing to note that some of the recommendations made in the report are in fact already in place or being developed."
For those who have had genuine concerns about the processes and decision making related to the Dam I hope that this provides reassurance, said Council CEO Janine Dowding.
"I never had any doubt that staff had acted with integrity and this report should bring an end to the unpleasant allegations that have been directed toward staff and Councillors.
"While the investigation does not remove the challenges of the project nor the risk of further cost over-runs, it should provide reassurance that decisions made have been well informed and appropriate.
"We fully expected the report to identify improvements and we consider the findings and recommendations entirely appropriate. In particular, the Council’s approach to risk and project management has come a long over the last three years and we continue to work on these areas.
"We appreciate the robust process followed by P&J Associates and acknowledge the considerable work involved in reviewing hundreds of documents and reports and interviewing those involved. We have fully cooperated providing unfettered access to Council staff and records.
"We would like to express our thanks to the Audit and Risk Committee and particularly Independent Chair Graham Naylor for providing oversight and ensuring the independence of the investigation."