Reimagining Local Government through Creativity and Shared Leadership

Reimagining Local Government through Creativity and Shared Leadership

The LGNZ conference recently celebrated the concept of SuperLocal, bringing together leaders from various sectors to discuss reimagining local government. One of the key panel discussions was chaired by Deputy Mayor Rohan O'Neill-Stevens and featured Caren Rangi, Chair of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa, alongside Tara Moala, Helmut Modlik, and Mayor Bernie Wanden.

During the panel discussion, Caren Rangi highlighted the importance of shaping a new future through partnerships that support communities. She emphasized the role that arts, culture, and creativity can play in this transformative process. According to Rangi, creativity should be at the heart of any conversation about the future. She drew attention to the regenerative power of arts and culture in rebuilding Ōtautahi after the devastating earthquakes. Rangi mentioned the iconic Dance-O-Mat, which emerged as a result of the earthquakes and has since become a beloved amenity for the community. She expressed a desire for similar initiatives in other regions, such as Hawkes Bay.

The tension between universalism and supercharging localism in local government was also discussed. Rangi challenged the audience of local government leaders to consider how much they were willing to share leadership and cultivate a culture of partnership. She emphasized the need for trust and collaboration among leaders, urging them to work together to serve their communities. Rangi called for a leadership space that embraces shared leadership with hapu, iwi, and communities, creating a safe and brave environment for rangatahi (young leaders).

The panel discussion also underscored the importance of listening to communities and leveraging their knowledge for the collective good. Rangi emphasized the need for stronger relationships between local government and communities. She questioned the amount of time local government spends on bureaucratic processes compared to investing in meaningful relationships with the communities they serve. Rangi emphasized the need for local government to align its work with Te Tiriti and the diverse needs of the communities.

In the broader context of creativity and leadership, it is worth noting the contributions of renowned author Aldous Huxley. Huxley began his writing career at a young age and established himself as a successful writer and social satirist. His early novels, such as Crome Yellow, Antic Hay, Those Barren Leaves, and Point Counter Point, were social satires that showcased his talent for insightful commentary on society. However, it was his fifth novel, Brave New World, that catapulted him into the realm of dystopian literature.

Drawing connections between Huxley's work and the discussions at the LGNZ conference, we can see a common thread of challenging the status quo and reimagining society. Both Huxley's dystopian vision and the panel's emphasis on creativity and shared leadership speak to the need for transformation and innovation in our communities.

In conclusion, reimagining local government requires embracing creativity and fostering partnerships. The LGNZ conference highlighted the potential for arts, culture, and creativity to play a regenerative role in communities, particularly in times of crisis. The panel discussion also emphasized the importance of trust, collaboration, and shared leadership in local government. To truly serve their communities, leaders must invest time in building meaningful relationships and listening to the needs of the people they serve.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace creativity: Incorporate arts, culture, and creative initiatives into local government strategies to foster community engagement and regeneration.

• 2. Cultivate partnerships: Work collaboratively with hapu, iwi, and communities to create a shared leadership space that values diverse perspectives and fosters trust.

• 3. Prioritize relationships: Dedicate time to building strong relationships with communities, listening to their needs, and aligning local government work with Te Tiriti and community aspirations.

By embracing these principles, local government can truly reimagine itself and create a future that is inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the people it serves. Only through collective effort and shared leadership can we build stronger, more resilient communities.