News

Professional development modules get the thumbs up

Local government elected members have given Local Government New Zealand's inaugural professional development modules the thumbs up.

"Enlightening", "Excellent", "Valuable", "Great effort, should be done more often, good case study with plenty of meat in it and very relevant", "Very enjoyable", "Explanation of governance and management was excellent", "Thought provoking" - were just a few of the comments received from the first elected members to try out the modules.

For three days in the middle of August a courageous group of elected members agreed to be guinea pigs, and provided an audience for the first stage of a professional development programme under development by Local Government New Zealand.  The programme was trialed to determine how well it would meet the needs of today's elected members. 

The modules, developed by Victoria University, are based on case studies and further modules are under development and consideration.  Each module has been designed to be delivered in a half day.  The six, which were the subject of the August trial, were:

·           connecting with communities an introduction to consultation and communication techniques in the context of the LGA 2002

·           roles and responsibilities - an analysis of the multiple roles elected members are expected to fill and how they are held to account

·           community planning - a look at the LTCCP as the new strategic plan for local authorities, what does it mean to identify community outcomes and how should this impact on your day to day business?

·           priority setting - this module examines the way in which elected members set priorities in the face of competing priorities and looks at the different styles that occur around the decision-making table

·           Ethics - how do we determine appropriate ethical behaviour when acting in a political environment?  What does this mean for codes of conduct?

·           Managing the media - all elected members face situations when they need to face the press.  Based on the media coverage of the so-called Auckland rates revolt this case study will help elected members develop strategies for managing unpopular decisions.

Once feedback has been analysed, and any adjustments to the case studies have been made, Local Government New Zealand will be offering the modules to elected members throughout New Zealand.  A programme is currently being developed and will be circulated once presenters are confirmed.  However, the organisation is also happy to provide modules in response to council requests.  Our only criteria is that we have between 15 and 25 participants.  Registration costs are currently being finalised and will be included in the programme once it is complete.  For further information please contact mike.reid@lgnz.co.nz.

 

29 August 2006


 
 
iv>