IPANZ’s Post

Let's build communities, not just houses Dennis O’Reilly has written an important piece for E:tangata. He talks about building communities, not just houses – he calls it intentional community building. He suggests social housing tenants more often be given the chance to describe, and then define, the social environment in which they want to live; giving them agency. He talks of some interesting examples, failures and successes in doing this mahi. As he says “we can move the community discussion away from complaining about problems to discussing solutions and opportunities — in other words, assist the shift from pathology to potential”. Persistence and commitment to this goal will be required from all involved. https://lnkd.in/dhQMtjpk #buildcommunities #socialhousing #betterliving

Well written satire about "government on life support" This is an example, from the Prospect Magazine, written by Alan Rushbridger, demonstrating political commentary which is strongly expressed and fearless. Just an example of the way the media in the UK critiques governments, which is part of its essential role. https://lnkd.in/eBpzzSJW #publicservice #governmentsattite #politicalcommentary

You can always improve your writing Writing underpins everything we do as public servants. It is our principal means of communicating and the way in which we exert our influence. Far too often, we are not good enough at writing. This succinct article from apolitical has simple, effective advice. For example - start with the reader; try storyboarding; remove jargon; always get others to read it; read it out loud to yourself. These tips and tricks will help if you use them. https://lnkd.in/gAG4YABW #publicservice #writingskills #improveyourwriting

Biodiversity - our vital infrastructure At times of cuts, the immediate takes precedence over the long term. Our biodiversity infrastructure is crucial to our wellbeing. As this brief article says - "nature's value is at the heart of economics." It must be hard for public servants to keep the focus on longer term but crucial programmes of work. https://lnkd.in/gwMxAQZz #biodiversity #infrastructure #publicservants

The Treaty of Waitangi in policy making Do have a look at this recording of the popular IPANZ event exploring the application of The Treaty of Waitanig to policy making. You will draw your own wisdom from it, but we noted: balancing priniplces with practice; value relationships - go slow to go fast; and to always apply free and frank advice as in all policy advice. We hope you enjoy this. https://lnkd.in/gqD_KPB5 #treatyofwaitangi #policymaking #publicservice

Implication of demographic changes for public servants In an article in our Public Sector Journal this month, Professor Paul Spoonley has asked if the public sector is ready for the demographic changes which are anticipated. This includes: 1. The aging population putting pressure on long term care beds. 2. Fertility dropping with the impact on school populations. 3. 80% of our population growth from net migration from India, the Phillippines and China being the most numerous recent arrivals. 4. By 2043, 33% of the population will be Māori. 5. Depopulation and stagnation in some regions of New Zealand. https://lnkd.in/gvFVJ6y2 #publicservice #demographicchanges #publicservants

A useful seminar for all public sector managers The New Zealand public sector has reached a watershed moment: Budget cuts and restructures lead to extreme uncertainty. A tough time for organisations, their staff, and their leaders. This seminar, online and in person, gives an opportunity to think about change management principles, dealing with restructuing and managing trade offs. https://lnkd.in/gqCw_Ex5 #publicsector #changemanagement #restructuring

A plea to all politicians to support long term cross party planning on key issues This is a strong and coherent plea from the CE of Infrastructure New Zealand, Nick Leggett. He calls out the divisive and piecemeal approach to planning and funding of infrastructure, undermining plans for want of money or a change in the political wind. “The infrastructure industry must have the confidence to make the long-term investments in the people, skills and equipment” required to deliver multiple projects. They cannot do this with the uncertainty and shifts with the political cycle. This may be a plea relevant to a number of public servants to politicians, asking for parties to commit to long term planning around critical investment decisions. https://lnkd.in/g9TzfwfY #infrastructure #publicpolicy #publicservice

Te Rau Hihiri – nurturing Māori in the public sector Te Rau Hihiri is a charitable trust aiming to empower and advocate for Māori working in and with the public sector. This article published in the IPANZ Journal Public Sector outlines its history and future focus. This is a time when groups such as this are needed more than ever. Looking ahead, Te Rau Hihiri is focused on supporting the development of Māori leadership and nurturing a pipeline of young Māori talent within the public service. Te Rau Hihiri has launched its own 100-day plan on social media, featuring daily messages of optimism, hope, and wisdom from tūpuna. An inspiration. https://lnkd.in/geJp56sz #publicservice #māorileadership #inspirationallearning

The role and impact of political advisors A popular post from IPANZ last year. https://lnkd.in/gVjaaZcw #advisoryservices #policymaking #publicservice