Government

You may be a government insider or outsider. Either way, knowing the inside story — the why, what, and how — of central and local government is essential for public and private sector organisations. That knowledge means you can navigate your way around decision-making, politics, and processes that shape both sectors.

We’ll take you on a journey that shines light into government’s hidden corners. We’ll make the complex clear, and the mysterious transparent.

Our powerful offering draws on years of experience, tracking changes in central and local government, and staying in touch with what’s really happening.

How Government Works

A comprehensive look at our system of government and political landscape. How are decisions made? How have structures changed and are still changing?  What processes and systems do you need to get to grips with?  

Our approach is to stay up to date, relevant and paint a picture of the practical reality.

Working in the State Sector

We’ll join the dots and get you up to speed with changing philosophies, ways of working and priorities. We’ll cover what it means to:

• serve the government of the day

• offer free and frank advice

• manage conflicts of interest

• stay politically neutral 

• ensure no surprises

• act ethically.

Collaboration, joined-up services, a focus on customers, meeting the needs of Māori and Pasifika, and greater diversity and inclusion  are also on the agenda.

Working with the Official Information Act (OIA) and the Privacy Act

Official information and privacy are often in the headlines. Why? Because both underpin our values and democratic system of government. 

We’ll help you understand the why, how and what of both pieces of legislation — that’s the theory part. Then we bring it to life with real cases and recent decisions.

How Local Government Works

Let’s cut through the confusion and paint a full picture of what’s happening in our 78 councils.

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Which councils provide which services? What’s the sequence of Long Term and Annual Plans? What’s the role of councillors? How does governance and management work? What about funding? 

We answer these questions and more. And we keep up to date with changes, trends and challenges the sector faces.  And we make sure any programme is relevant, and tailored, to your people.

Our latest thinking on government