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IPANZ E-Update 16 May

IPANZ focuses on the practice of doing public service, irrespective of which organisation you work for. Our community is everyone working in or alongside the public sector.

  • 19 May 2023

IPANZ E-Update - 26 April 2023

ANZAC Day has once again caused our nation to reflect, 108 years since 15,000 New Zealanders landed at Gallipoli. How ever you chose to spend April 25th, it provides a powerful message that reflection is important – to give respect, learn lessons and protect those giving public service. I hope the articles in this e-update also give you pause to reflect – on your work and the ethos in which that work takes place.

  • 26 Apr 2023

IPANZ E-Update - 4 April 2023

This issue of Public Sector begins our in-depth look at what you have told us it's like working in the public service. I highlight a couple of articles below.
I also provide some explainers about principles and values underpinning good government that have been in the media of late.

  • 04 Apr 2023

IPANZ E-Update - 14 March 2023

Being a public servant is nuanced no matter what job you have. In this E-Update I’ve included perspectives on some of these things – co-governance, futures thinking, political nous, ethics and how your thinking can influence your success. Enjoy.

  • 14 Mar 2023

IPANZ E-Update 21 February

My heart goes out to those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and dealing with the aftermath – this newsletter asks ‘where to from here’. We also touch on the gnarly topic of measuring what you are achieving – how to know whether you are making a difference. And we highlight upcoming events – take a look, there’s bound to be something for you.

  • 21 Feb 2023

IPANZ E-Update - 1 February 2023

2023 lies before us, ready for each of us to make it into what we will. We’ve pulled together some articles in this E-Update that look backwards to help you go forward into 2023.

  • 01 Feb 2023

IPANZ E-Update - 14 December 2022

Our cover for the December Public Sector journal shouts ‘summer is here’. It’s not long till you can keep your jandals on all day and kick back – or get active – for your summer holidays.

If you are working through Christmas/New Year to provide services to Kiwis and our visitors from other places – thank you!

Kay Booth,
Executive Director

  • 14 Dec 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 30 November 2022

I write this on my lunch break from our ‘Effective Engagement with Māori’ workshop – I am learning so much! – which has added a whole new dimension to my reading of our first article about tokenism and te reo Māori….Kay Booth, Executive Director

  • 30 Nov 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 8 November 2022

A real mix of articles for you today – from measuring well-being to managing change in complex systems. Enjoy.
Kay Booth, Executive Director

  • 08 Nov 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 4 October 2022

I have a couple of important things to share with you all in this e-update. Firstly, we are seeking an Events and Engagement Manager to organise our events and help re-energise member engagement – as a secondment (or a fixed term role) until Christmas. If you are well organised and highly motivated, and looking for an organisation where you can make a difference and be a part of a friendly team, we'd love to hear from you. Read more here. Public Sector, our quarterly journal, is now available with lots of thought-provoking articles and information – something for everyone, you can read it here. I’ve highlighted a couple of the articles in this e-update. Kay Booth, Executive Director

  • 04 Oct 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 13 September 2022

“Public service” are words we toss around, perhaps without really thinking about what they mean. The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has brought public service into sharp focus. Coverage over recent days has reminded us that she was very thoughtful about her public service, pledging on her 21st birthday the following: “I declare before you that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong”. One of the many lessons she has offered to us – to take the time to reflect on what public service means for you. I know that I am. Kay Booth, Executive Director

  • 13 Sep 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 25 August 2022

This e-update pulls on some of the principles and values that underpin our Public Service system – articles touch on the separation (independence) of certain functions, transparency, public consultation and trust. Working in public service is special (you are making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders) – but brings with it certain requirements and obligations. IPANZ will explore and debate these matters for and with you.

  • 30 Aug 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 26 July 2022

IPANZ Strategy - do you have suggestions? As I write this, here at IPANZ we are getting ready to refresh our strategy. I’d love to have input from members …. so a wee request of you. If you are interested in attending a virtual focus group to have your say on the future direction of IPANZ, could you please send an email to admin@ipanz.org.nz with your name, organisation and email address. Type into the email header: “IPANZ focus group”. And we’ll be in touch! Brilliant – thanks.

  • 26 Jul 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 29 June 2022

On day one of my new role as IPANZ Executive Director, I attended one of the Systemic Change in the Public Service to Better Enable Collaboration webinars. This sang to my heart – coming from a partnerships background as I do. Since then I’ve been impressed with what’s available for members. But I’m keen to explore how we better meet your needs – so I hope you’ll be up for a conversation with me sometime in the future. Thanks in advance! Kay Booth, Executive Director

  • 29 Jun 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 8 June 2022

This is my last e-update. It has been such a pleasure collating interesting pieces for IPANZ members. I wish you all the very best. I know that Kay Booth, who has taken on this wonderful job at the beginning of this week, will continue to serve you all into the future. Thank you all so much. Shenagh Gleisner

  • 09 Jun 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 17 May 2022

A concern has been on my mind this week, illustrated in this e-update. One is the comment in one of these articles suggesting that, if the culture of the public service prompts us to be frightened of taking risks, this can stifle effective responses. Then I listened carefully to the words of our Chief Executives in a webinar we ran on collaborative work. I felt they were urging us to be motivated to overcome what might seem like barriers at first, but were not as insurmountable as we might think. They also talked about their own leadership imperative to create a culture that enables and supports new thinking and fresh action. Shenagh Gleisner, Executive Director

  • 18 May 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 27 April 2022

There are indeed many burning issues for the public service right now. They include the imperative to honour Te Tiriti, the spread of misinformation, the increasing prospect of environmental catastrophe, and less momentous perhaps, but still top of mind – the new work place and the opportunities it offers us. So this e-update really covers some vital issues! – do enjoy it. Shenagh Gleisner, Executive Director

  • 27 Apr 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 5 April

As you may know, I will be stepping back from the role of IPANZ Executive Director in June in order to visit family overseas, whom I have not seen for some years. I have found this to be a very rewarding job. I have loved every aspect of the work, the content always so fascinating and the people I have had the privilege to meet so skilled and committed. I am delighted that IPANZ is in such a strong position and very much look forward to seeing who will step forward to lift the sights of IPANZ ever further. Lots to do before mid-June though! Shenagh Gleisner, Executive Director

  • 13 Apr 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 15 March 2022

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic, notes that the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%. Loneliness, fear, grief, financial worries, exhaustion are some of the themes. Then we have the desperate situation in Ukraine. And in our own community, the protest, right outside the doors of Rutherford House where the IPANZ offices are housed, which left us with many emotions, including great sadness. Our thoughts and best wishes to you all in these difficult times. Shenagh Gleisner, Executive Director

  • 17 Mar 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 23 February 2022

I write this on the evening after our Public Sector Conference. How do I thank people enough for their contribution? First, to all the speakers – despite so many other demands, staying with us for months and being there on the day. Thank you. Second to Amy Abel at Conference and Events, for such calm and professional support in every way. Third, to our generous sponsors who did not withdraw their backing, despite us having to go online. Fourth to Jehan Casinader for his insightful questioning and great presence as MC. We feel somewhat overwhelmed. Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa

  • 28 Feb 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 2 February 2022

Welcome to 2022. The joy of a warm summer break not yet a long distant memory, but still so much uncertainty, and division, weariness and sadness. It is important to hold on to opportunities, a chance for renewal, if we can. The theme for this e-update is on potential opportunities, for both individual and collective change. It also celebrates remarkable heroism in communities. Shenagh Gleisner, Executive Director

  • 02 Feb 2022

IPANZ E-Update - 14 December 2021

Here is the cover of our December Public Sector Journal. It speaks of summer. We hope so much that you get a break, you find the space to relax, to refresh, you reconnect with people and you take time to reflect upon the many achievements at the end of this tough year. We will be sending a copy of this Journal to our database, just as a one off. Please enjoy it and take out a subscription, get your agency to join IPANZ or become an individual member if you wish to continue to receive this wonderful member-only benefit for 2022. Contact us at admin@ipanz.org.nz

  • 15 Dec 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 23 November 2021

Did you read on our Linkedin page about the award won by Te Taura Whiri - The Māori Language Commission – the supreme award at the International Public Relations Association Golden Awards for Excellence for their Te Wā Tuku Reo Māori campaign? Three things struck me about this. First, what an absolutely deserved accolade for the work of the Commission. Second, why don’t you become a follower on our IPANZ Linkedin page – we post some great stuff. Third, every single staff member of the Te Taura Whiri is signed up on our membership database. If you work in an IPANZ member organisation, you are a member of IPANZ and you can get these great advantages too. Email us at admin@ipanz.org.nz about getting your staff all signed up.

  • 24 Nov 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 2 November 2021

You will see we have linked you to a video of a talk given by Dr Jess Berentson-Shaw in this e-update. As the public service works to reach those hesitant about the vaccine, she suggests we remember that logic does not always drive decision-making. Rather we listen to people we trust and admire. Also in this e-update, Dave Winsborough puts a high value on diversity of thinking, and wonders if there is enough of this such diversity in the public service. Our ”what we are reading” section focusses on the lessons from anthropology. All of this asks public servants to explore the assumptions that underlie our thinking processes.

  • 24 Nov 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 12 October 2021

This week, IPANZ put a post on our social media which talked of the frustrations and fear abounding in New Zealand, creating fractures, challenging trust, promoting blame as everyone grapples with the insecurity and threat created by COVID-19. We imagine public servants may be feeling the pressures of dealing each day with this frustration amongst the people they serve. As people seek to apportion blame (which is so often not appropriate in this complex picture) we hope public servants are coping with the anger or negativity that may be expressed towards them.

  • 12 Oct 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 20 September 2021

IPANZ sends a heartfelt shout out to all of you. Whether you are working 10-hour days non-stop, front-line or back office, whether you have been juggling children and work at home, whether you are in Auckland with the long, long lockdown, or whether you are just experiencing despondency and anxiety. This is hard, resilience is so important, but sometimes it just feels fragile. Kia kaha. Nga mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa Shenagh Glesiner, Executive Director

  • 21 Sep 2021

E-Update - 30 August 2021

Those of you who follow the IPANZ LinkedIn page will have seen our comment. IPANZ is distressed to see the continual personal criticism of public servants. Scrutiny is vital, very personal attacks which cannot be defended does not have to be part of this scrutiny. Public servants can get caught in the crossfire when commentators attack a government they do not like. This makes public service leadership a tough job. Shenagh Gleisner, Executive Director

  • 21 Sep 2021

E-Update - 11 August 2021

Kia ora koutou The IPANZ conference itself is but one day. But the conversations and challenges will start before, via IPANZ events and e-updates: for example, our Public Sector Journal due out in late August, explores some of the themes such as regulation, young people’s visions and collaboration and a tribute to Ivan Kwok. The conference offers a platform for deeper debate which will be developed in all IPANZ products over the months ahead, hopefully sparking participation and forward-thinking from everyone.

  • 16 Aug 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 20 July 2021

Kia ora koutou The IPANZ conference programme is now published. Have a look at it. This will be a memorable and powerful conference. You will see that we start the day with a challenging focus on Mȧori-Crown relations, the Ivan Kwok Memorial Lecture celebrating the very best of public service, and one of our international speakers talking about significantly shifting how the public sector operates. These themes thread right through the conference with many speakers taking up the issues and much more. Do join us. Shenagh Gleisner, Executive Director

  • 26 Jul 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 29 June

IPANZ values its independent voice, informing and inspiring our members throughout the public sector. We know from the positive feedback we receive, that our communications can be effective. However, we believe we could do more to communicate to the general public, to New Zealanders, about the public sector; to inform, perhaps to challenge myths, and to champion public servants.

  • 07 Jul 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 9 June 2021

Kia ora koutou Our recent System Leadership event was very popular, with a long waiting list. Despite our reminders with a strong request for people to tell us if they were unable to come, we still had a large percentage of no-shows. This meant people on the waiting list were let down. We sought to understand this, and some people said we should consider charging. However, IPANZ remains committed to free events, it is an important service to our members. We also completely understand that unexpected things come up in your busy lives and you will inevitably find yourselves unable to attend. We ask that when you register for an event, put it in your schedule, do your very best to come, or offer the place to a colleague if you can’t. And if we do tell you there is a waiting list, make a very special effort to tell us if you cannot come. Thank you. We have the video of this session below, though nothing replaces being there!

  • 14 Jun 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 17 May 2021

In our last e-update we talked about the danger of burnout for public sector professionals, with the COVID demands of the last year, and looking ahead to significant transformational change in many parts of the public sector, central and local government. The capacity and capability of the sector is stretched, putting particular pressure on key groups of staff - managerial, back office and front line. In the context of these pressures and some constraints on pay increases, IPANZ is thinking about the challenge for public service agencies to demonstrate that they value their staff.

  • 17 May 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 27 April 2021

There is a lot of change going on! We are still in the midst of the reform of vocational education, the health system transformation is far reaching. There was an announcement about the review of local government last week. These three alone are significant pieces of work for a public sector already stretched. IPANZ first acknowledges the skill, and commitment that public servants show when delivering on a government's aspiration for significant change. The complexity of this work demands capabilities and capacity that may be in short supply, or spread thinly, because of the numbers of projects and specialist skills required.

  • 27 Apr 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 7 April

This e-update touches on at least three subjects which merit more discussion. These encompass three of the concerns which are often shared with IPANZ. The first is bullying in the public sector. People say it is more widespread than is acknowledged. The second is the media and the difficulties for the public service to get the good news out. A perennial challenge of course. The third is the ongoing challenge of gender equality. Women tell us they did not anticipate we would still be having to fight for this in 2021. Lots to think about in this update!

  • 07 Apr 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 16 March 2021

Two things happened this week which made me think. We booked the new Productivity Commissioner, Ganesh Nana, to talk to our IPANZ members (see upcoming events for details), and we started our membership renewal process. IPANZ has a high level of productivity. We produce multiple products for our members, and our team consists of just 2.5 FTE staff. We provide training courses and resources, we run around 30 free lunchtime and evening events covering a range of topics annually, we distribute our popular three weekly e-update, post numerous items across our social media platforms and publish a quarterly journal, all this plus providing friendly and efficient customer service and financial management for all membership services. IPANZ members get a great deal, your subscription is used to create benefits for you, it is not spent on overheads!

  • 16 Mar 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 23 February 2021

This e-update illustrates the diverse matters that public sector professionals turn their minds to every day, for example - trust and integrity, systems thinking, racism and co-design, to name a few.

  • 25 Feb 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 2 February 2021

Welcome to 2021. We hope you enjoy this E-Update. IPANZ celebrates and stands up for the public service, as you will see in this update. But we also offer insights for improvements, one is our wellbeing strategy – can we do better? Another is an operational question – are we doing as well as possible with our performance management in the public service?

  • 03 Feb 2021

IPANZ E-Update - 10 December 2020

We are full of admiration for the resilience and fortitude the public service has shown through this year - and very aware of the exhaustion so many are feeling. The pressures and urgency for ongoing response and improvement go on – this is a marathon not a sprint. This last e-update of the year comes with the very best wishes of the IPANZ staff and Board.

  • 10 Dec 2020

E-Update - 17 November

It has been widely acknowledged that the Covid-19 crisis has transformed aspects of the way our sector functions. We use technology in a way we never imagined, flexible working accelerated, methods of teaching and training changed, and much more. The technologies we now use regularly were available early in 2020, but not widely adopted. Covid-19 acted as a dramatic catalyst. We would never have made these shifts without the pandemic, perhaps we did not appreciate that we had the individual and collective capability to do what we have done. The Spirit of Service Awards event on November 9th, run by the Public Service Commission, was inspiring; a testament to the ability of the public service to respond and transform beyond all expectations. The collaboration across so many agencies sung out in these awards, as well as the speed with which agencies implemented financial support to businesses and their workers. So we are capable of extraordinary achievements. How will we dramatically transform in 2021 without an external crisis? There are certainly enough burning platforms.

  • 17 Nov 2020

IPANZ E-Update - 27 October 2020

Kia ora koutou What a delight to see our events section in this e-update filled with the activities of our New Professionals. November is clearly the month for our IPANZ young people! We hope we’ll see many more Young Professionals signing up to our database. IPANZ wants the voices of younger people and those new to the public sector reflected in all of our discussions — our e-updates, journal, social media and events.

  • 27 Oct 2020