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 »
The Glacier That Keeps Moving: What It Taught Us About Asset Classification
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 »
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 »
Councils Must Plan Smartly—Freezing Rates Now Will Cost Communities Later
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 »
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 »
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
The Essential Role of Long-Term Financial Planning in Local Government: Lessons from Missteps
Long-term financial Planning (LTFP) is not merely a tool—it is a necessity. As councils manage everything from local infrastructure to