Remembering the ANZACs This Anzac Day
As Anzac Day approaches, we pause to honour the brave men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army […]
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The Glacier That Keeps Moving: What It Taught Us About Asset Classification
Picture this. You’re standing on a steel walkway, high in the Southern Alps. It stretches out before you, winding its
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The Pitfalls of Too Many Targeted Rates in New Zealand Councils
Targeted rates are an essential tool for councils, allowing specific groups of ratepayers to contribute directly to the costs of
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When Every Dollar Counts: Why Councils Must Get Financial Planning Right
In local government, every dollar is more than a number—it represents a road repaired, a family supported, or a park
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Rates Modelling Fiascos That Make You Go ‘What?!’
Imagine this: a council accidentally sets a zero rate on residential properties for an entire financial year. Sounds like a
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Councils Must Plan Smartly—Freezing Rates Now Will Cost Communities Later
The cost of living across Australia and New Zealand has become a harsh reality for many. Homeownership is slipping further
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Practitioner’s View: “Getting Rates Modelling Right: Insights from the Front Line”
As a rates modelling specialist, I’ve seen it all—missing data, conflicting priorities, and even the occasional “we didn’t know that
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The Hidden Costs of Poor Planning and Inefficient Systems in Council Operations
Within local government, sound financial management is not just about keeping the books balanced; it is about ensuring the sustainability
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The Woes of Rates Capping: Lessons from NSW and Victoria
Rates capping, also known as rates pegging, has been a contentious policy in New South Wales and Victoria for years.
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Friday Fun: Local Government Legends
Happy Friday! As our work revolves around local government, let’s celebrate the end of the week with some light-hearted and
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Front-End Web Developer Wanted!
Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for crafting exceptional web experiences? Ibis Information Systems is looking for a
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Implementation Consultant – Financial Planning Software
Do you thrive on solving complex challenges and empowering clients with innovative solutions? Ibis Information Systems is seeking an Implementation
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Enhancing Decision-Making in Budgeting and Planning: Insights from “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
In public administration, particularly within city councils and government bodies, decision-making is often a complex, high-stakes task involving budgeting, long-term
Looking Ahead: Finding Optimism in the Year to Come
As the holiday season draws to a close, many of us are returning from the Christmas break with a renewed
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Reflecting on the Year with Gratitude
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and express heartfelt gratitude to those
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Breaking Free from the Spreadsheet Trap: Maslow’s Hammer in Local Government Finance
In 1966, Abraham Maslow famously wrote, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every
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Reflecting on Sacrifice: Remembrance Day
On Remembrance Day, we pause to honour those who gave their lives in service to their countries during times of
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Understanding Council Rates: How They Work and Where Your Money Goes
Council rates are something most of us pay, but few truly understand how they work or what they fund. Let’s
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“Good Strategy Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why It Matters” by Richard Rumelt – Planning Precision for Financial Success
Rumelt delineates the difference between a ‘good strategy’—one that is coherent and focuses on challenges and how to approach them—and
Scenario Planning for Future-Ready Cities: Learning from “Scenario Planning in Organisations”
Scenario planning is an invaluable tool for councils seeking to navigate the complexities of long-term governance in a rapidly changing
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip and Dan Heath – Driving Effective Financial Reforms
In Switch, Chip and Dan Heath explore change challenges, offering a framework for navigating behaviour, organisation, and community transitions. This