Concerns about staff morale have emerged as eleven employees from the Christchurch City Council’s Regulatory Compliance Unit have left the department this year.

The Unit is responsible for ensuring compliance with a range of laws and regulations that are designed “to achieve beneficial community and environmental outcomes.”

Responding to a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request,  a council spokesperson confirmed to chrislynchmedia.com that 11 employees had departed in 2024, with one concluding a fixed-term role.

“We have decided to withhold the position titles under the following section of the LGOIMA – to protect the privacy of natural persons,” the spokesperson said.

Chrislynchmedia.com inquired whether such a high turnover rate was typical for this unit or considered unusual.

The council responded saying “whilst it does vary, this turnover rate is not typical.”

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The council also confirmed there were employment disputes related to the departures, but did not disclose the number.

When asked if the acting CEO had concerns regarding this high turnover, the council replied, “Turnover rates are a focus for the CE and leadership team.

“We want to retain our skilled and experienced staff to ensure we can provide the best services to our residents and the city. High turnover rates have cost implications associated with hiring and training new employees; they disrupt service provision and can impact on morale.”