Anga āheinga

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Capability framework

The Ākona capability framework provides a clear picture of the skills needed to be a successful, confident elected member.

Powerful engagement

Strong communities are built through genuine engagement.

When communities are involved in decision-making, councils gain deeper insight, stronger relationships and better outcomes for the people they serve. Engagement helps create shared direction, strengthens trust and supports more transparent and inclusive decision-making. It also encourages resilience, collaboration and fresh thinking across communities and councils alike.

Positive leadership

Positive leadership creates the conditions for councils to do their best work.

In local government, leadership shapes culture, decision-making and the way elected members work through challenge and disagreement. It supports respectful debate, long-term thinking and productive working relationships. Positive leadership sits at the centre of effective governance and influences every part of an elected member’s role.

Council Māori relations

Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils must provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to decision-making processes and consider the views of iwi and Māori when making significant decisions relating to land or water.

Building trusted partnerships with local hapū and iwi requires knowledge, confidence and the ability to engage respectfully and constructively. This part of the framework supports elected members to strengthen those skills and relationships.

Effective governance

Effective governance balances today’s priorities with the needs of future generations.

Elected members are responsible for making decisions in a fast-changing environment, often with competing community expectations and financial pressures. Good governance requires clear thinking, sound judgement and a strong focus on long-term outcomes for communities.

This part of the framework supports elected members to govern with confidence, set direction and make informed decisions that deliver lasting value.

Political acumen

Political acumen helps elected members navigate complexity, build support and achieve outcomes.

Local government brings together a wide range of views, priorities and pressures. Working effectively in that environment requires relationship-building, negotiation and the ability to find common ground. Political acumen helps elected members manage challenge constructively and move issues forward in a way that builds trust and progress.

Business acumen

Elected members are responsible for governance, not day-to-day operations, but strong governance relies on understanding how council works.

Business acumen gives elected members the confidence to ask informed questions, interpret information and effectively scrutinise and support the work of the Chief Executive and council staff. This part of the framework helps build the practical knowledge needed to govern well and make sound decisions.

Ākona skills analysis tool

The Ākona Skills Analysis Tool helps you assess your current capability levels and identify where you want to grow next. It gives elected members a clear way to map strengths, spot development opportunities and choose learning that matches their role and goals.You can download the tool via Ākona at https://akona.lgnz.co.nz/.