E-Updates
IPANZ E-Update - 9 April 2023
In this E-Update our first article suggests that public servants have more agency than they think to do things differently in their mahi. Other articles cover intentional community building (it’s not just about housing), the complexity of government (and what this means), the justice system, citizenship education, biodiversity as critical infrastructure, and accessibility to digital health tools for people with disabilities.
- 09 Apr 2024
IPANZ E-Update - 19 March 2024
Leaking – does it matter? We start this week with insight into why indeed it does. Then shift gears to think about future demographic changes – and what this means for providing public services to the ‘new shape’ of the New Zealand population.
There’s a lot happening – stay well and plug into some of the events and opportunities we highlight at the bottom of this e-update.
- 19 Mar 2024
IPANZ E-Update - 27 February 2024
This e-update covers some of the burning issues for the public service right now, including the public service itself and the size of it, as well as Artificial Intelligence, New Zealand’s corruption ranking, public policy and more.
Below you will find articles exploring these issues, as well as events IPANZ is hosting that will provide space for further discussion on hot topics.
- 27 Feb 2024
IPANZ E-Update - 7 February 2024
We’ve pulled together some articles in this E-Update that provide you with various perspectives as we move into a new year.
- 07 Feb 2024
IPANZ E-Update - 12 December 2023
What a year. The IPANZ whānau wish you a rejuvenating holiday break. Getting out into nature is a great way to do that.
The cover of our latest issue of the Public Sector journal features the ātaahua/beautiful pohutukawa. The perfect emblem for the summer that beckons.
And if you are working through the holiday period to provide services to Kiwis and our visitors from other places – thank you!
Meri Kirihimete.
- 12 Dec 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 21 November 2023
Last week we held one of our Effective Engagement with Māori workshops. It was a great opportunity to not only grow our understanding of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and gain practical tools for effectively engaging with Māori, but to connect with colleagues from different agencies and hear what they are doing in this space. It was great to see an enthusiastic group of people so committed to their personal and professional development show up and be open to learning something new. Participating in these conversations made me reflect on the purpose of IPANZ - connecting people and ideas through a community of learning and practice about public service. Registrations for our next Effective Engagement with Māori workshop are now open (see below). I look forward to seeing you at a future IPANZ event.
- 28 Nov 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 1 November 2023
We begin our e-update with comments from IPANZ President Liz MacPherson on preparing to serve a new government, followed by insights from Professor Jonathan Boston on the implications for the public sector of the incoming Government. Other articles address the risk of not telling the ‘whole truth’, bias in evaluating our leaders, Koi Tū’s assessment of social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand, ways to address youth crime and much more.
- 01 Nov 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 11 October 2023
We have refreshed our IPANZ strategy. We highly value our independence – we serve the public sector but from a neutral position outside of the public sector. This allows us to shine a light on subjects that it can be hard to do from the ‘inside’. We set our sights on being ‘courageous’. We will serve the public service by using our ‘outside’ voice to courageously talk about those things you want us to raise.
- 11 Oct 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 19 September 2023
IPANZ President Liz MacPherson has highlighted the toll of the last four years upon public servants and the increasingly difficult external environment impacting everyone in our upcoming Public Sector Journal. And yet public servants will need to be ready to energetically implement whatever 100-day plan is presented to them after the election. Kia kaha to all public servants from IPANZ.
- 19 Sep 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 29 August 2023
Last week, IPANZ was proud to host Dame Sophie Pascoe for her Dare to Dream presentation. Thank you to Westpac who supported this inspiring event. Sophie shared advice for the public sector on how to support the disability community, reinforcing for me the importance of engaging widely. Read on for more informative content, and opportunities to engage through IPANZ events.
- 29 Aug 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 8 August 2023
IPANZ is about connecting people and ideas. One way we do this is through our events. We’ve got some great events lined up in the next few weeks...
- 08 Aug 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 18 July 2023
We are delighted when you respond to us about articles in our E-Update, because our purpose is to spark thinking and discussion. Someone wrote to us last time saying they enjoyed the articles from Apolitical – thank you.
- 19 Jul 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 27 June 2023
Many of our articles this week centre on trust – upon which so much can be built, when it is strong. Another theme is the changed environment public servants are now working within – and the new ways of working this requires. Enjoy.
- 27 Jun 2023
IPANZ E-Update - 6 June 2023
This e-update illustrates the diverse matters that public sector professionals turn their minds to every day, for example – politics, influence and advice, the collection and use of data, and the future of the workforce to name a few. We are also letting you know about two upcoming events that IPANZ are hosting for those new to the public sector, as well as lots of opportunities for kaimahi (workers) in the public sector to connect with their colleagues. This e-update really covers some vital issues! – do enjoy it.
- 27 Jun 2023
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