Recreation and Sports Unit realignment delivers more cost-effective service

4 August 2006

Christchurch City Council’s Recreation and Sports Unit is to realign its organisational structure to provide residents with city-wide access to world-class sporting facilities, services and programmes and a more cost-effective service.

Recreation and Sports Unit manager John Filsell today announced the final decision, saying the new organisational structure would remove duplication of functions, inconsistencies in service levels and blurred accountabilities following the March merger of the Recreation Facilities Unit, Recreation, Sport and Arts Team, and Leased Facilities Team.

He said the realignment would also strengthen leadership capabilities and through the development of city-wide programmes promote the delivery of a consistent, cost-efficient and high level of service.

“There was overwhelmingly support from staff for the new structure. Their feedback was invaluable in helping to fine tune the proposal.”

Under the new structure, Recreation and Sports Unit would establish a matrix structure, with four positions responsible for the leadership and delivery of the unit’s customer experience.

Three are Area Recreation Manager roles, based on the delivery of an integrated customer experience through Council facilities and in the community, established on geographical locations: Northern (Burwood-Pegasus and Shirley-Papanui wards); Southern (Hagley-Ferrymead, Spreydon-Heathcote and Lyttelton wards); and Western (Riccarton-Wigram, Fendalton-Waimairi and Akaroa wards).  

The fourth position would be responsible for the city-wide sports services function. “This team would focus on delivering the Council’s contribution to sports development, events, promotions, allocation of grounds and funding,” Mr Filsell said.

Three roles would deliver city-wide services and resources to the Unit. These managers would be responsible for maintenance services, business operations, and programmes and activities.

Under the new structure, 17 new positions will be created and 18 disestablished – 10 of which are currently vacant.

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