Businesses and development projects based in the Thames-Coromandel district will now have a single-point of contact when working with the council.

Former Mercury Bay acting area manager Len Whittaker, who's worked in local government for the previous 30 years, is the Thames-Coromandel District Council's new business broker.

Thames-Coromandel Distrct Council's new business broker Len Whittaker. Photo: TCDC

His role is to offer businesses people his experience to make sure qualifying projects follow a clear pathway through the bureaucracy.

Len is available for ‘pre-concept' meetings to discuss projects before they are lodged with council.

Recently he filled in as Mercury bay area manager for eight months and believes he developed good links with council's elected members and senior management.

'I know the go-to people and have good rapport with them,” says Len. 'I can help build relationships and partnerships between developers and Council offices and departments.”

Large subdivision projects and business development initiatives often require input from staff in Planning, Legal, Health, Licences, Concessions, Building Consents and Infrastructure services.

Council says it wants to make sure people who are investing in its communities receive everything they need from them in order to drive their projects forward.

This will help retain and grow economic activity - creating jobs and opportunities for the people of the Coromandel.

'To make sure all our departments work together in a seamless fashion to provide the best service possible, we have adopted the Business Friendly Council guidelines.

'[These guidelines were] produced by Local Government New Zealand in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.”

The guidelines provide six principles to create a business-friendly environment.

They include:

• Build excellent relationships and partnerships
• Context matters - identify local challenges and local business needs
• Provide certainty and clarity for business decision-making
• Make every interaction with business count
• Be proactive and look for opportunities to support business
• Respond rapidly and flexibly to business after major emergencies

'Mr Whittaker will be putting these principles into action in his dealings with people who want to invest in our District.

'These principles recognise the crucial role local government plays in developing, attracting and retaining economic activity.”

Council adds; 'It's this activity that provides the jobs to retain and attract families to the Coromandel and keep our beautiful peninsula a dynamic and prosperous place.”

WHO IS LEN WHITTAKER?

Len obtained his New Zealand Certificate in Engineering back in 1984, specialising in civil engineering.

He's worked in roading, water supply, wastewater supply, stormwater supply and solid waste – all aspects that are crucial to subdivision development, which has been his focus for the last 18 years.

This work has involved him in engineering surveys, design, consents, construction supervision and project management.

Len's worked on Whitianga Waterways, Pauanui Waterways, Matarangi Beach Estates subdivisions, Totara Palms, the new Kopu Bridge.

More recently, he's been involved with the Kopu Structure Plan which takes in the current redevelopment of the Kopu Business Park.

To contact TCDC business broker Len Whittaker call 027-439-3285 or email: len.whittaker@tcdc.govt.nz