Waipā District Council in New Zealand has successfully transformed its fleet operations through the deployment of Orcoda Connect, an integrated logistics software solution that is delivering measurable improvements in utilisation, sustainability, and staff satisfaction.
The Council, responsible for services to a population of 62,000 across both urban and rural areas, manages a fleet of 165 vehicles. Previously reliant on a disjointed system of manual bookings and limited reporting, the Council identified the need for a more modern, data-driven approach to fleet management.
Claire Vincent, Fleet and Travel Coordinator at Waipā District Council, said the Council was looking for a solution that “fosters independence for staff, while also offering a seamless, technology-driven approach to fleet management.”
The Council selected Orcoda Connect as the foundation of its new digital fleet management ecosystem. The platform’s advanced vehicle pooling functionality, combined with integration into the Council’s existing Teletrac Navman telematics system, has enabled a single platform to manage bookings, compliance, tracking, and reporting.
Key Benefits Realised
The rollout of Orcoda Connect has delivered tangible outcomes:
- Self-Service Booking for Staff: Employees now book vehicles independently using a web portal or mobile app, significantly reducing reliance on admin teams and improving access.
- Comprehensive Oversight and Reporting: Managers can view real-time booking data and vehicle use patterns. “I can have a good view of everything, such as who’s booking the vehicles most and which pool vehicles are dominant. It’s brilliant!” said Vincent.
- Telematics Integration: Vehicle location tracking, geofencing, and real-time usage data is now fully integrated into the booking system, improving accountability and operational transparency.
- Streamlined Compliance: Drivers agree to terms and conditions prior to bookings, improving policy adherence and encouraging responsible use.
- Reduced Admin and Greater Efficiency: The shift to digital processes has significantly reduced administrative workload, freeing up time and resources.
- Increased Utilisation and Cost Control: Data insights have allowed the Council to extend vehicle life cycles and reduce operational waste. “KPIs for tracking vehicle utilisation have allowed us to make data-driven decisions and stretch the lifecycle of our vehicles,” Vincent said.
- Staff Engagement: According to Vincent, “The staff love it. They absolutely love that they can be independent. Orcoda is a big win for us.”
- Sustainability Gains: Optimised vehicle use is directly supporting the Council’s emissions reduction goals.
The overall experience has been transformative. “The biggest difference has been the independence it provides,” Vincent said. “It’s a one-stop shop where everything just works seamlessly behind the scenes. It’s transformed our operations and taken a huge burden off staff and management alike.”
A Scalable Model for Local Government
Orcoda Managing Director, Geoff Jamieson, said the success at Waipā highlights the broader potential for councils across the region:
“By integrating Orcoda Connect with Teletrac Navman’s cutting-edge technologies, we’ve developed a best-in-class solution that optimises fleet utilisation while providing cost savings. We see enormous potential for local government carpools across the region to adopt these innovations.”
Waipā District Council’s initiative not only improves its own operations, but also sets a new benchmark for local government fleet management. The project demonstrates how digital transformation in fleet operations can deliver efficiencies, cost savings, and measurable environmental benefits.
