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 »
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 »
Are you a creative problem-solver with a passion for crafting exceptional web experiences? Ibis Information Systems is looking for a
.NET Web Developer Wanted! Read Post »
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 »
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 »
You’re standing on a steel walkway, high in the Southern Alps. It stretches out before you, winding its way toward
The Glacier That Keeps Moving: What It Taught Us About Asset Classification Read Post »
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 »
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 »
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 »
The cost of living across Australia and New Zealand has become a harsh reality for many. Homeownership is slipping further
Councils Must Plan Smartly—Freezing Rates Now Will Cost Communities Later Read Post »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
In public administration, particularly within city councils and government bodies, decision-making is often a complex, high-stakes task involving budgeting, long-term
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 »
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and express heartfelt gratitude to those
Reflecting on the Year with Gratitude Read Post »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Rumelt delineates the difference between a ‘good strategy’—one that is coherent and focuses on challenges and how to approach them—and
