URS audit letter
ASSURANCE STATEMENT
Scope and Methodology
URS New Zealand Limited (URS) has carried out an independent audit of the non-financial elements of the Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua’s 2006 Annual Report (the Report), to provide readers assurance on the accuracy and completeness of the Report content.
The audit was designed to investigate whether Manaaki Whenua provided adequate evidence to support the information contained in the Report and to review the Report against the AA1000 Assurance Standard (March 2003) principles of Materiality, Completeness, and Responsiveness.
The audit methodology was to:
- Review the draft Report – to identify statements of fact/ claims and data requiring verification;
- Identify key sustainability performance areas and issues (based on our understanding of Manaaki Whenua’s operations and identified stakeholder interest);
- Conduct interviews with key staff and relevant stakeholders;
- sight documented information, computer and hard-copy files, data sources and data;
- identify errors or weakness in data, provide feedback and verify the final Report;
- Prepare of a full report on the assurance process and findings.
The scope of assurance covered all non-financial sections of the Report.
Independence
URS did not work on any projects for or with Manaaki Whenua during the period covered by the Report that would, in any way, infl uence the independent nature of the verification findings.
Accuracy
On the basis of the described audit methodology, URS verifies that the non-financial content of the Report provides an accurate description of the organisation’s performance.
The Report provides a high level of exactness and low margin of error. Reporting and information systems were found to be robust and transparent. Some minor calculation errors and information transfer errors were identified during the process, which were corrected in the final Report.
Materiality
Manaaki Whenua identifies early in the Report the “triple role” it has in respect of sustainable development, providing readers with a clear context by which to judge the organisation’s performance. Organisational challenges related to economic, social and environmental factors during the reporting period are covered well, in particular the organisational restructure and funding challenges. Governance structures and approaches, organisational strategies and policies, regulatory compliance and relevant management systems are also well reported on, along with actual performance and activities.
Completeness
Appropriately detailed information and data are included in the Report, especially with regard to Manaaki Whenua’s contribution to sustainable development within New Zealand.
Overall the Report provides a balanced representation of Manaaki Whenua’s performance. Appropriate reference is made to the previous year’s Report which provides stakeholders with information on trends and any significant changes over time. Non-financial targets are clearly identified and reported on. In some areas more commentary on why targets have not been achieved or indeed are significantly exceeded would add value.
Responsiveness
As reflected in the report, Manaaki Whenua works closely with its various stakeholders across a range of projects related to sustainable development and reports on areas of interest to both external and internal stakeholders.
An opportunity exists for Manaaki Whenua to engage more actively with stakeholders to ensure all areas of significance to them are included within future reports.
Final Comments
It was evident during the assurance process that Manaaki Whenua’s Guiding Philosophy is strongly imbedded. Staff demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable outcomes.
We commend Manaaki Whenua on their ongoing leadership in sustainability reporting and to advancement in this arena.
URS New Zealand Limited
11th September 2006
Kerry Griffiths
Principal Sustainability Consultant
URS New Zealand Ltd
Lambton House, Level 4
160 Lambton Quay,
P.O. Box 3367, Wellington, New Zealand
Direct: 64 4 496 3750
Fax: 64 4 496 3755
DISCLAIMER
The veracity of the information summarised in the Report is dependant upon the uniformity, consistency and thoroughness of site/operational staff reporting all relevant matters.
While the report Verification Process allowed URS to develop a good appreciation of Landcare Research’s sustainability issues and site specific initiatives, URS did not and can not
determine precisely the uniformity, consistency and thoroughness of reporting. URS has prepared this Statement for the use of Landcare Research in accordance with the usual care and
thoroughness of the consulting profession. The opinions provided are based on generally accepted practices and standards at the time they were prepared. No other warranty, expressed
or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this Statement. To the extent permitted by law, URS excludes all liability that may arise from professional advice contained in
this Statement. This Statement must be read in conjunction with the supporting documents prepared by URS. No responsibility is accepted for use of any part or all of this Statement in
any other context or for any other purpose or by third parties. No third party is entitled to rely on any matter contained in this Statement without URS’s prior consent in writing. Neither
URS’s name nor the material submitted in this Statement may be included in any prospectus or use in off ering or representations in connection with the sale of securities or participation
interest without URS’s prior consent in writing. URS owes no duty of performance to any party other than our contracted client.