Tuesday Workshops
Tuesday 17 July
1.25pm – 3.00pm
Workshop sessions
Choose one session
Workshop sessions
kindly sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers
Climate change: challenges for councils
What practical steps can councils take to prepare their communities for climate change? How can councils adapt for climate change and take steps to mitigate some of its effects? This interactive panel session brings together local government leaders on climate change to present case studies on work they have done to prepare their communities for the inevitable through both adaptation and mitigation measures. You 'll hear the success stories and the challenges associated with climate change – what works and what doesn't. The panel session will be followed by an interactive activity to provoke delegates thinking about their own councils and how to prepare for situations brought about by climate change.
Looking after the baby boomers
How should councils respond to an ageing community and what does it mean for what we do and how we are funded? Many commentators agree that the ageing of western societies poses a major challenge to the future ability of governments to provide essential public services and maintain a quality of life for older citizens. While elder care is not a primary responsibility of local government, older citizens are major users of our services, contribute the majority of our volunteers, and might be seen as a largely untapped resource.
Are we there yet - has well-being really improved?This workshop examines the implications of our ageing communities on local government and discusses strategies for strengthening local economies by building on the knowledge and expertise of older citizens and providing opportunities to strengthen their participation in community life.
Are we there yet – has well-being really improved?
Councils have completed Community Outcomes Processes and LTCCPs and are working with other agencies and groups on a range of issues, but are we really making a difference to community well-being? This workshop tackles the questions:
- How do we know whether well-being is improving?
- How do we assess the impact of our policies and programmes on well-being?
- How do we communicate this to our communities while fulfilling our statutory obligations?
A panel will reflect on these issues from a variety of perspectives that will encompass the challenges faced by large metropolitan councils as well as small rural councils. We will consider the technical and the political considerations in the context of our fundamental goal -to better understand what is happening to the well-being of our communities.
Effective Community Boards
Community boards are part of the architecture of modern local government yet their role and status are continually debated. Do councils really understand how effective community boards work and how they can contribute positively to the achievement of a local authority's vision? This workshop explores the essential ingredients of effective community boards and how double devolution can make a difference in your community.
The plan juggling challenge
How many plans does it take to achieve integrated planning? How do you line up the many and varied plans under the LGA, RMA, and LTMA? And then also incorporate national policy statements? This session looks at the variety of planning documents required or available for councils and communities. Speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities in integrated planning with reference to infrastructure/land use case studies, and will consider new tools and considerations for local councils looking forward.
Last updated: August 2008
