ONLINE DIGITAL CONSENTING PROJECT
Whanganui leads the way with digital building consent applications
Building consent applications are the latest Council service to go online.
Whanganui District Council is the first of our group of regional councils to develop an online application process for building consents.
The current building consent process is extremely reliant on a paper based system and can be very time consuming. Digital communication has become crucial in any organisation and the demand from customers to deal with the Council electronically is increasing.
Online building consent applications will create a customer focused experience by tailoring the application to the customer’s needs. This will assist in streamlining the process and means our team is better able to track applications.
The online building consent applications will be available from 25 October 2016 by visiting the Council's Building Services page.
Users will then be directed to either log into, or create a RealMe® account. If anyone has registered their dog online with the Council, they will have used RealMe®.
Many people who have applied for a passport, set up a bank account or updated their electoral roll information will have already created a RealMe® profile and will be using it.
The Council will accept hard copy building consent applications until 31 January 2017 but after that only online applications will be possible.
It’s crucial that customers get used to this new process over the coming months. To help out, a dedicated person will help with the online applications and a computer will be made available at the Council’s Guyton Street building to help with lodging applications.
To book an appointment with one of our Customer Services Team to find out how to lodge your application, please call 06 349 0001.
Online building consent FAQs
What if I don’t have a computer at home, or don’t know how to use one?
To help people get used to the new online process, the Council team will supply a dedicated person to help with applications and make a computer available at the Council’s Guyton Street building for this purpose. If you don’t already have an email address, you will need to set one up to apply for a building consent.
To book an appointment with one of our Customer Services Team Members, please call (06) 349 0001.
Do I still have to pay for a deposit?
The requirement for a deposit at the application stage will be removed, with full and final payment required when the building consent application has been granted.
How will building consents be pre-vetted?
All online building consent applications will continue to undergo a rigorous pre-vetting process, but this will now be undertaken electronically. The electronic process will allow the vetting officer to add comments to the checklist and return an application where any missing items can then be included for resubmission.
Do the timelines for building consents change?
No. The Council must still meet the statutory 20-day timeframe to process applications.
Does the content of the assessment change?
No, the consent process will just be online now, rather than on paper.
How do I receive my plans?
Once your application has been approved, you will be sent an email with your outstanding balance. Once this is paid, either through the Council’s online services web portal, or by visiting our Customer Services Desk, you will get an email from RealMe® with a link to the plans. At this link you can download, save and print your plans.
Will the fee be the same?
Yes.
What happens if my building consent is declined?
You will receive an email and be asked to amend your application and submit it again.
What is RealMe®?
RealMe® is a digital ID service created by the Department of Internal Affairs and New Zealand Post which allows people to prove who they are online when using New Zealand websites and services.
You can find out more about RealMe® in this video.
Is RealMe® safe and secure?
RealMe® does not store information, but acts as a conduit to help people share their information with participating organisations who need it. Users of RealMe® can always see and approve the information they share.
Find out more about privacy and security when using RealMe®