23 February 2026
Clampett Trust
[FYI request #33765 email] Dear Clampett Trust
Official Information request for Delegation Instruments and Service Agreements to
MWLASS/DMC
I acknowledge receipt of your official information request dated 19 February 2026 for the
following:
1. Pursuant to s10 LGOIMA 1987 kindly provide all documents relating to delegations
of authority granted to Manawatu-Wanganui Local Authority Shared Services (
MWLASS) for debt recovery. litigation or document service, including:
a) shareholder resolutions or CEO instruments from 2008-2026.
b) Statement of expectations or performance agreements under LGA 2002 s57-64.
c) Any Long Term Plan references ( confirming absence).
2. Provide all MWLASS sub-delegations to Debt Management Central (DMC), including
agency agreements, warrants, or limits on proceedings/service for debt collection of
rates and sale of abandoned lands including civil cases.
3. Confirm DMC's legal status ( incorporated or agent) and chain of authority from
Horizons to MWLASS to DMC.
4. Electronic PDF format within 20 working days under s15. Specify witholdings under
s17 with review details. No charge unless notified ( s16) but note this is a public interest
matter.
Recently, the Council responded to a similar request in relation to Debt Management
Central. I refer you to this information and trust that it meets the information you are
seeking. If there is anything further you require, in addition to this, please do specify and
we will respond to you under the LGOIMA.
Summary of contractor services for debt collection
The Gore District Council uses a provider known as DMC to undertake debt collection
processes on its behalf from time to time, subject to the specific circumstances of any
particular debt owed to Council and the circumstances of the debtor.
Council pays a commission to DMC for the provision of those debt collection services.
The specialist debt collection services provided by DMC to Council includes:
• Prompt and appropriate procedural steps taken on behalf of Council for collection
purposes
• Managing all correspondence and communications with debtors
• Facilitating payment arrangements e.g. direct debits
• Monitoring arrangements and automated follow up with debtors
• Use of specialist software to support services
• Managing bulk debtors efficiently and effectively
• Managing costs of debt collection and enabling efficient recovery of those further costs
• Low commission structure with clear management of disbursements e.g. Court fees
• Strong reporting in line with Council financial requirements
DMC provides debt collection services to other Councils around Aotearoa New Zealand and
has been providing Gore District Council with these services since 2018.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz
or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you have any questions, please contact me via
[email address] Kind regards
Lornae Straith
GM Corporate Support Officer / Chief Financial Officer
