The draft plan is submitted for peer review from an independent consultant. The comments received are reviewed for subsequent revisions before the final draft is presented to the Assets and Services Standing Committee. The management of stormwater assets is subject to continual improvement. Previous asset management plans are reviewed to ensure the improvement issues are addressed and emerging issues and options are incorporated into updates. The asset management plan contains essential information to meet the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. The plan contains fundamental details of the stormwater activity used in support and preparation of the Long Term Plan 2015. The draft plan is presented to the Asset and Services Committee for scrutiny and approval before it is presented to Council for ratification. As a minimum the plan seeks to satisfy the requirements of a basic asset management plan as defined by the Auditor General: 1. Define the service level. 2. Define the timeframe (lifecycle). 3. Describe the asset (physical, financial). 4. Include financial information (10 years +). 5. Recognise decline in service potential. 6. State assumptions and confidence levels. 7. Outline an improvement programme. 8. Be prepared by qualified persons. 9. Be a firm commitment of the governing body. 10. Be reviewed regularly. It has been developed in accordance with the guidelines published by New Zealand National Asset Management Support Group (NAMS) and in in collaboration with and contributions from many departments throughout the Council. 1.4 Asset Management in Relation to the Planning Process Asset management is a continuous process. Operational circumstances change minute by minute. Data is collected to inform short, medium and long term operational and maintenance decisions. The data is also analysed to identify where system improvements are required. The upgrade options are evaluated and presented to council for consideration and approval. The asset management plan collates the available data and current decisions into a single document. The role of the stormwater asset management plan in Council planning is shown in Figure 1. The asset management plan provides a link between the strategic objectives of the Council; long term planning and the day to day functioning of the operational activities. Page 6