"I am writing to express my thanks for the energy and expertise Rationale put into helping QLDC develop a Masterplan Programme for Queenstown’s Town Centre. The Masterplan provides a vision and direction for development of our town centre through to 2050 and it brings together a range of roading, public and passenger transport, commercial building and public realm improvement projects aimed at delivering a thriving, productive and vibrant town centre now and into the future. With Edward Guy as the Programme Director, we managed to overcome many challenges that would have held this type of planning back in the past. Edward and his teams’ ability to support QLDC in setting the direction and working through problems with our stakeholders was pivotal in ensuring we met our deadlines and the programme and supporting business cases received the endorsement of our Councillors."
Queenstown Town Centre Masterplan
Peter Hansby, General Manager Property and Infrastructure, Queenstown Lakes District Council
"I would like to thank you for your significant contribution to the delivery of the Civic Space Options project through the development of the Civic Space Options Programme Business Case. Your work on guiding the team through the Better Business Case process contributed to a highly professional process that produced a compelling piece of work. This project has created a considerable step change framework for the future of our City. Our team here has benefited greatly from the experience and skills that you have contributed both in developing the work and also in your ability to communicate that work clearly and compellingly to our community and Elected Members. "
Tauranga Civic Space Options Project
Gary Poole, Chief Executive, Tauranga City Council
"Rationale was engaged to support local government in Northland and NZTA to work through options to improve efficiency and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure planning and delivery within a collaborative model in the region. As well as directly working with Council officers and NZTA staff, the Rationale team communicated effectively via the Chief Executives to Northland’s Mayoral Forum – particularly the Mayors of the district councils and the Chair of the Regional Council, with Councils and their elected members. Rationale brought a strong methodology and facilitated a collaborative environment that allowed the issues to be explored thoroughly with the resulting solution supported by a sound evidence base. I recommend Rationale as a client-focused consultant that applies sound methodology in a collaborative and innovative way to deliver value. "
Northland Transport Alliance
Malcolm Nicholson, Chief Executive, Northland Regional Council
"Rationale were engaged to develop a financial and funding model to predict the expected upfront share cost and annual charges required by NOIC’s shareholders in order to cover the expansion and ongoing operations of the scheme under multiple structural, up-take and cost scenarios. Rationale brought a structured methodology to the model development, along with a broad range of infrastructure management, economic, and financial skills to the governance, financial and operational discussions. They have good interpersonal skills and liaise well with a wide range of staff and external stakeholders. Rationale’s unique skills, talents and collaborative approach has resulted in a successful long term relationship with NOIC. This includes other smaller projects, separate to the one mentioned above. I would be happy to recommend Rationale to other prospective clients. "
North Otago Irrigation Company – Stage 2 Funding Model
Robyn Wells, Chief Executive, NOIC
"Rationale brought a very rigorous methodology to the assessment undertaken, and complemented this with their own knowledge of district planning and funding issues. A feature of this, and the other assignments they have carried out for the QLDC was the development of a close working relationship with key staff and a 'no surprises' approach. Rationale brings particularly valuable skills to projects of this type. They have excellent knowledge of local government and the regulatory environment in which it operates; strong financial and analytical skills; but at the same time are also pragmatic and solution-focused. They balanced technical aptitude with strong inter-personal and communication skills, and work comfortably with both staff and external stakeholders. Rationale has a long-standing and very constructive relationship with QLDC. They are hard-working; collaborate extremely well with clients; and demonstrate high levels of integrity and commitment whilst offering clients good value for money. "
Eastern Access Road Funding Assessment
Stewart Burns, GM Regulatory and Finance, Queenstown Lakes District Council
"The process has been really effective in moving quite a long way in an area that is hard for people to get their heads around. It’s distilled input from a number of people into some solid base materials that will be a great springboard for decision making. "
Clyde Historic Precinct Revitalisation
Dave Ritchie , Olivers Central Otago Lodge & Stables
"I was really happy with the way the workshop came together and provided a structured and tangible way for us to consider public space improvements and where they can deliver value for money. Using the ‘Better Business Case’ approach to structure our thinking, means that once the process runs its course, we can deliver the right things for the right price at the right time. "