Friday, February 20, 2009

The Aucklander Vs NZ Herald Vs Royal Commission

Not long to wait now. But thankfully the NZ Herald has given up trying to influence the Royal Commission. The best media place to look these days for a good feel for where the Royal Commission might be going is The Aucklander. It is to be congratulated in running some useful backgrounders containing useful and insightful discussion with Peter Salmond - the Chair of the Royal Commission.

Part of any change strategy must include some sharing of information and ideas with the public in advance of formal hard decisions. Within reason of course. Better to have prepared the ground a little so people are not too surprised and so there is s better chance of having the ideas received thoughtfully rather than dismissively.

A few weeks ago, the Aucklander ran a very thoughtful story about Vancouver, and about the Royal Commission's reactions to their visit there. You can see it at:

http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/news/story.cfm?storyID=3792088

This week's issue (yesterday I think it was circulated), contained an insight into the transition process that will be needed to give effect to the Royal Commission's recommendations. It considered the possibility of Peter Salmond acting as the commissioner in charge of oversee-ing the transition between now, and the elections in October 2010. When it's on the Aucklander website I will include a link to it here:


But for now, the article is a useful steer. Thank about it. Any change will likely require legislation. This will need to be in place well before the 2010 elections. It will need to go through Parliament and its Select Ctte processes. Other changes - such as amalgamation of certain local council institutions, or their breakup - will be profoundly destabilising for current operations and for staff. Strong regional plans will need to be put in place. A transitionary commission maybe the best way of ensuring the development of that plan.

In the meantime - read the Aucklander. It has its finger on the pulse of the Royal Commission. The NZ Herald seems to want to force feed it.

No comments:

Friday, February 20, 2009

The Aucklander Vs NZ Herald Vs Royal Commission

Not long to wait now. But thankfully the NZ Herald has given up trying to influence the Royal Commission. The best media place to look these days for a good feel for where the Royal Commission might be going is The Aucklander. It is to be congratulated in running some useful backgrounders containing useful and insightful discussion with Peter Salmond - the Chair of the Royal Commission.

Part of any change strategy must include some sharing of information and ideas with the public in advance of formal hard decisions. Within reason of course. Better to have prepared the ground a little so people are not too surprised and so there is s better chance of having the ideas received thoughtfully rather than dismissively.

A few weeks ago, the Aucklander ran a very thoughtful story about Vancouver, and about the Royal Commission's reactions to their visit there. You can see it at:

http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/news/story.cfm?storyID=3792088

This week's issue (yesterday I think it was circulated), contained an insight into the transition process that will be needed to give effect to the Royal Commission's recommendations. It considered the possibility of Peter Salmond acting as the commissioner in charge of oversee-ing the transition between now, and the elections in October 2010. When it's on the Aucklander website I will include a link to it here:


But for now, the article is a useful steer. Thank about it. Any change will likely require legislation. This will need to be in place well before the 2010 elections. It will need to go through Parliament and its Select Ctte processes. Other changes - such as amalgamation of certain local council institutions, or their breakup - will be profoundly destabilising for current operations and for staff. Strong regional plans will need to be put in place. A transitionary commission maybe the best way of ensuring the development of that plan.

In the meantime - read the Aucklander. It has its finger on the pulse of the Royal Commission. The NZ Herald seems to want to force feed it.

No comments: