Intergenerational Equity: Why It Must Be at the Heart of Local Government Financial Planning
Local governments are responsible for more than just delivering services and maintaining infrastructure in the present—they also must ensure that […]
Understanding SUIPs: The Pros and Cons of Separately Used or Inhabited Parts of a Property
The concept of Separately Used or Inhabited Parts (SUIPs) of a property is an integral aspect of rating systems in
Moving from Land Value to Capital-Improved Value: The Case for Change
For decades, many New Zealand councils have based their rating systems on land value, where rates are calculated solely on
Moving from Land Value to Capital-Improved Value: The Case for Change Read Post »
The Silent Crisis in Council Finance
Councils are facing a silent crisis. As funding pressures mount and service demands grow, the margin for error in financial
The Silent Crisis in Council Finance Read Post »
Customer Support Shouldn’t Feel Like a Horror Movie – But It Often Does
Picture this: your software is acting up. Maybe it’s refusing to save, maybe an error message has appeared that might
Customer Support Shouldn’t Feel Like a Horror Movie – But It Often Does Read Post »
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
Remembering the ANZACs This Anzac Day Read Post »
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
The Pitfalls of Too Many Targeted Rates in New Zealand Councils Read Post »
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
When Every Dollar Counts: Why Councils Must Get Financial Planning Right Read Post »
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
Rates Modelling Fiascos That Make You Go ‘What?!’ Read Post »
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
Practitioner’s View: “Getting Rates Modelling Right: Insights from the Front Line” Read Post »
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
The Hidden Costs of Poor Planning and Inefficient Systems in Council Operations Read Post »
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.
The Woes of Rates Capping: Lessons from NSW and Victoria Read Post »
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
Friday Fun: Local Government Legends Read Post »
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
Looking Ahead: Finding Optimism in the Year to Come Read Post »
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
Breaking Free from the Spreadsheet Trap: Maslow’s Hammer in Local Government Finance Read Post »
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
Reflecting on Sacrifice: Remembrance Day Read Post »
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
Understanding Council Rates: How They Work and Where Your Money Goes Read Post »
“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