How to write a submission that gets results

How to write a submission that gets results

It’s nearly that time of year again, when councils will be seeking feedback from the public on a wide range of plans, policies and bylaws.​I’ve read thousands of submissions. In my experience, the most effective submissions: provide a concise summary...
Summer reading … with a local government twist

Summer reading … with a local government twist

I love reading a book in one big gulp during the summer holidays. My favourite this year was ‘Unsheltered’ by Barbara Kingsolver. The present-day story is about a family dealing with the fall out of a number of shocks related to their family, their careers, financial...
Moving to a low carbon economy

Moving to a low carbon economy

Introduction What role will local government have in New Zealand’s progress towards a low carbon economy? In this article I reflect on some of the points raised in the Productivity Commission’s Low-emissions economy report and suggest some ways councils may contribute...
How to be a smart city

How to be a smart city

I booked a flight to Wellington and a Masterton motel. Next minute my smart phone was wishing me a great visit to the Wairarapa … it’s a little unnerving, but companies are not the only ones making increasingly smart use of technology. Wellington City Council’s...