Prior to the launch of the new online Land Information Memorandum (LIM) service, Taupo
District Council (TDC) was exceeding the statutory 10 day service delivery timeframe on a
regular basis and the average time to produce a LIM had increased significantly resulting in
customer complaints. As the demand for LIMs continued to increase and the service levels
further decreased we had two options:

• Add extra staff resources to produce LIMs faster
• Use technology to meet the demand

The Council decided to proactively investigate how technology could deliver a fully
automated LIM service. The goal was to deliver a LIM within four hours 24/7. This meant
every component of a LIM had to be available in an electronic format. The new solution
not only has the capability to generate a LIM with no staff input at all, but also means
customers can apply online and choose the service they require. An added bonus is that
customers with an existing Council debtor account can charge it back to that account,
which provides a streamlined automated process with no staff input.

The service has been well received by the public and the real estate industry. Bayleys
Taupo Director Yvonne Westerman says the service has quickened the processing of sale
and purchase agreements conditional upon a LIM, which make up 99 per cent of sales. “I
congratulate Taupo District Council on their efforts which have made a huge difference to
real estate agents in Taupo and Turangi with ordering LIMs,” she says. “This streamlined
service offers agents a quick turnaround.”

Council Chief Executive Rob Williams says it is a great achievement that shows Council
is at the forefront of emerging technology and working hard to use it. “This has been
several years in the making and reflects the hard work and dedication of Council staff in
finding innovative ways to do things,” he says. “Council’s proactive approach to property
information has made this possible.”