War on empathy; war on confidence; war on context
Evidence-based policy may be the flavour of the moment, but how does it account for the intrinsic human needs for empathy, confidence, and context? Read More
New Zealand
Three lines of defence to help with managing the risks in decision-making
Regulatory reviews of organisational failings inevitably focus on why risks were not effectively identified, measured, monitored or managed. The risks are the same for policy-makers. The Three Lines of Defence model for risk-management is a way to ensure policy doesn't fail. Read More
New way to text or email citizens: feds offer free trial to all levels of government
The Digital Transformation Agency is inviting local, state, territory, and federal government agencies to try out a new system to send texts and emails to… Read More
Be a clever leader, not just an intelligent one, says Maori Development boss Michelle Hippolite
Michelle Hippolite is often asked what it's like being a Maori woman leader. She talks connecting the head and heart, Maori ideas about leadership, and commitment to the public service. Read More
Huawei or the highway? The rising costs of New Zealand’s relationship with China
New Zealand's decision to block Huawei from its 5G cellular networks due to security concerns is likely to be just the first of many that challenge Wellington's relationship with Beijing. Read More
Fellowships for Indigenous public servants
ANZSOG and the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust are sponsoring two new Churchill Fellowships this year for Australian and New Zealand Indigenous public servants. Read More
Have your say: OECD group drafts commitments to public sector innovation
An OECD body is working on a declaration that would see signatories commit to public sector innovation, and help cement a better common understanding of what it actually means. Read More
There’s more to life than money, and NZ Treasury has the charts to prove it
The NZ Treasury continues to refine its four-dimensional foray into the measurement of national wellbeing with a new online Living Standards Framework Dashboard. Read More
Movers & shakers: new year brings new challenges for three public service leaders
Infrastructure Australia finds a new chief executive, a well-known public servant takes charge of technology at Veterans' Affairs, and New Zealand's latest Foreign Affairs and Trade secretary needs no introduction in Canberra. Read More
Most of New Zealand’s public service leaders are women
The NZ State Services Commission lists 32 chief executive roles, of which 17 will be filled by women on a permanent or acting basis as of February 4. Read More
Open learning: the whole BX2018 nudge conference is out now on video
The behavioural economics team in the Prime Minister’s department has published hours of valuable educational videos from Behavioural Exchange 2018, the international conference it hosted… Read More
NZ Social Development replacement named
Debbie Power has been named as the new head of New Zealand's Ministry of Social Development. Read More
Ontario ombudsman offers masterclass in public impact: ‘Our power is in our voice’
Shining a light often galvanises political support for changes public servants already wish were in place, says visiting ombudsman Paul Dubé. "Most public servants want to do a good job." Read More
One year on for Jacinda Ardern’s coalition government in New Zealand
The Labour-New Zealand First-Green coalition government led by Ardern celebrated its first birthday last week. Read More
Using data to reinvigorate democracy
Agencies are constantly seeking public participation but they need to continue conversations with the insights they gather. Technology may be the key. Read More