Design your strategy
Management methods
Use a mix of management methods
Checklist
To select the best management methods, rate each one against these criteria:
- alignment with strategic direction
- effectiveness
- availability of resources
- budgetary requirements.
Use whatever gets the best total ratings in your strategy.
Many councils use rules and standards under the RMA to help create a liveable urban environment. Rules are useful, but are not the only management method to use, and relying on the rules alone can be limiting.
Use whatever regulatory (legally enforceable) and non-regulatory (non-legally enforceable) management methods are best for the strategy. Remember that if you choose regulatory activities, a variation or plan change may be needed. The table below is a summary of the management methods available.
| Regulatory methods | Good for |
|---|---|
| Rules in plans | Helping avoid adverse effects of urban development |
| Signage bylaws | Enabling legal enforcement |
| Design guides | Providing discretion and flexibility |
| Non-regulatory methods | Good for |
| Design guides | Providing discretion, getting community buy-in |
| Council services (roading, parks) | Meeting community expectations |
| Mainstreet programmes, CBD enhancement |
Getting direct results in improving safety, appearance, vibrancy, and community well-being |
| Strategic, annual, asset management, and reserve plans | Encouraging public involvement, enabling a coordinated approach |
| Information and education | Encouraging public involvement, keeping communities informed |
| Incentives | Targeting resources |
| Direct investment | Providing examples and direction for others |
| Advocacy | Representing community issues and concerns at central government level |
Reference material
Whatever management methods you choose, remember to coordinate them within council. Set up clear lines of responsibility and reporting, and make sure your strategy doesn’t duplicate work already being done.
Using
a mix of management methods
Assessing
current management methods [Word doc 28kb]
Template
five: Management methods [Word doc 12kb]
