Councils in New Zealand: It’s Time for Advice That Actually Works
Why tailored, transparent consulting matters more than ever for local and regional councils
For many local councils across New Zealand, consulting has become something of a gamble.
You issue an RFP.
You get a polished pitch.
You receive a glossy report.
And yet—your team is left wondering, “Does this even apply to our context?”
At CATO, we believe it’s time for something better.
No more boilerplate solutions. No more advisors who don't understand the public sector. No more wasted spend on consultants who promise the world but don't deliver actionable value.
We’ve built a consulting model tailored specifically for the realities of New Zealand councils—with your people, processes, budget, and mandate in mind.
You’re Not Alone.
Many councils face the same challenges:
- Projects delayed because consultants misunderstood internal approval processes
- Budget blowouts from recommendations that didn’t fit funding cycles
- Reports filled with corporate jargon, ignoring public-sector nuance
- Little or no follow-through once the report is delivered
We’ve heard the frustration.
We’ve been in the rooms.
And that’s exactly why we built CATO.
Why CATO Works for Councils
1. We Know the Environment
Our consultants aren’t theorists—they’re practitioners who’ve worked with (and inside) regional and district councils. They understand how procurement works, what regulatory constraints exist, and how to align with elected members, senior leadership teams, and ratepayer expectations.
2. Value for Money—Not Price Cutting
We’re not the cheapest. But we are the most efficient where it counts.
We match consultants to projects based on exact experience, so time isn’t wasted onboarding someone who doesn’t “get” the council space. This approach saves money, energy, and internal bandwidth.
3. Flexible, Transparent Delivery
Whether you need in-person collaboration or prefer online engagement, our consultants adapt to your needs. We provide clear documentation and track all engagement milestones through our secure online portal—CATO Pro—so nothing falls through the cracks.
4. Aligned With Your Goals
We don't come in with a ready-made solution. We start by listening.
Then we help you define what success looks like—and only then do we build a roadmap. Whether you’re trying to improve stakeholder engagement, build internal capacity, or navigate central government mandates, we make sure the process fits you.
The CATO Advantage
✔️ Consultants with actual council experience
✔️ Realistic, plain-English recommendations
✔️ Proven results across regional and district councils
✔️ Free 30-minute initial call to explore your needs
✔️ Tiered pricing to suit different council budgets and scopes
✔️ Ongoing support—not just a report and run
A Different Kind of Partnership
We don’t push solutions. We propose options.
We don’t expect you to implement everything. We help you identify what matters most.
We don’t work in isolation. We work with you—collaboratively and transparently.
Your job is to serve your communities.
Our job is to help you do that better, smarter, and with confidence.
Book Your Free Intro Call
We're currently opening a limited number of 30-minute no-obligation consultations for NZ councils. Whether you have a challenge in governance, operations, engagement, or change management—we’ll listen and point you in the right direction.
📧 Email: info@catoltd.com
🌐 Website: www.catoltd.com
Because it’s time for real support—not just more advice.