The Challenge We're Tackling
Resource consent processing has traditionally been a fragmented journey, with consultants and councils working with totally separate systems and processes. While Rico already helps both sides work more efficiently individually – saving 25-30% of the time involved – we saw an opportunity to create even greater efficiencies by bringing these two sides together.
Our Vision for Connected Processing
We're now trialling a groundbreaking approach that connects consultants and councils directly through Rico, reducing reliance on Word documents and streamlining the entire consent process. This trial represents our latest step toward making planning assessments simpler and more efficient for everyone involved.
Our Two-Stage Approach to Integration
Stage 1: Aligned Processes
We're creating a standardised framework for both parties to perform assessments within:
Project Checks: A comprehensive checklist ensures all key planning considerations are identified upfront, reducing oversights and removing potential for missed information at the source.
Compliance Assessments: A structured framework clearly documents how applications comply with local planning rules, outlining the fundamental information required on each proposal in a consistent format.
Provisions Assessments: Simplified access to relevant provisions (such as matters of discretion, objectives and policies), with built-in tools for detailed assessment documentation. This encourages comprehensive applications that are aligned with criteria laid out in planning instruments.
The Impact: Both parties work from a clear, standardised process – eliminating confusion and optimising application processing from the very beginning of the process.
Stage 2: Enhanced Collaboration
We're making it easier to resolve the inevitable questions and requests for further information that arise during the consent process:
Streamlined Information Requests: Applications can be submitted for council review/audit directly through Rico, and any requests for further information (RFIs) or feedback can be flagged directly within Rico's familiar framework
Clear Progress Visibility: Both parties can see exactly where issues arise and where things stand in the bigger picture at any time. RFIs and post lodgment changes can quickly become complex and unruly, this structured approach helps keep the process grounded and aimed towards an overall outcome.
The Impact: Faster resolution of issues, clearer communication, and better transparency throughout the process.
What This Means for You
For Consultants
Submit applications in a format councils prefer
Receive and respond to feedback within a familiar environment
Track all changes and communications in one place
For Councils
Receive consistently structured applications
Provide feedback directly within the assessment framework
Focus more time on decision-making rather than administrative tasks
Our Commitment to Better Planning Outcomes
This trial is a crucial step toward our goal of reducing overall resource consent processing time by 50%. By removing unnecessary barriers and creating clearer pathways for communication, we're helping planners focus more on what truly matters: making well informed decisions that benefit both communities and the environment.
What's Next
We're continuously developing new features to enhance the planning workflow and strengthen collaboration between all parties. Stay connected with us to learn about upcoming improvements that will make resource consent processing even more efficient.
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