Leigh Auton: Managing change correctly vital for Auckland's future

Opinion

We have all heard variations of the saying, there is nothing more constant than change. And within the Auckland region now, that is very true.

Media commentary and speculation regarding the proposed outcome of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Governance of Auckland have put the spotlight on local government recently but have not added anything new to the discussion.

Instead, they have added to the confusion and certainly have not made any mention of the excellent services that continue to be provided to the local communities by councils under extremely trying times.

The royal commission is due to make its recommendations at the end of March and forward them to the Government. Only when the recommendations are released publicly will we know the thinking of the commission.

In the meantime, libraries continue to operate, consents continue to be approved or declined, rubbish is collected, pensioners are housed, clean water comes out of taps, "dirty" water is taken away and so on. The daily business continues seamlessly and, for most residents and ratepayers, possible changes to governance structure remain under the radar.

But for 6500 staff and thousands more contractors, stakeholders and community groups which rely on local government for work and/or support, it is an extremely unsettling time.

It is worth noting that local government is not only a provider of services, it is big business - in fact about 4 per cent of gross domestic product. In these harsh economic times, local government is a major employer - directly and indirectly.

As chief executive of Manukau City Council, I acknowledge that council staff are some of the most resilient people around (and I am sure my chief executive colleagues in the region also share this view). However, we also have to recognise there is an anxiety among staff that we are very aware of.

Change is never easy but it is even harder when you know change is likely but don't know what it might look like.

It seems that in this economy most firms and organisations are going through restructuring. So this is not a case of special pleading. But just as we have to ensure the water keeps flowing out of the taps and the rubbish collected on time, so too must we ensure the vision for Auckland and for its place in New Zealand also does not falter.

It is imperative in times of change, the accumulated wealth of knowledge and experience embodied by senior council staff is not lost. Instead, it must be utilised to address the myriad issues and challenges which will be raised in the transition to new governance.

In the case of local government, even with a royal commission, it is essential strategic planning continues and councils deliver on their day-to-day activities.

Councils are looking to their communities to engage with them by making submissions to their 10-year plans. They must consider the implications of any commitments made through their long-term plans, but are also mindful of the economic impact change and uncertainty may have on the Auckland economy.

Even though change is imminent, it is still vitally important for communities and individuals to participate in the consultation processes of the 10-year plan. Most issues will remain relevant irrespective of the governance structure.

A focus on the big picture and what is beneficial to the different communities that make up the region is essential; and that is where staff, living and working locally, have a huge impact. High quality customer service is integral to maintaining good relationships with our communities. In times of change, staff who are informed and confident are more likely to maintain those high standards.

Change can be stimulating and exciting - but it can also be scary and upsetting.

By keeping our staff informed, and empowering them to accept that change is inevitable and provides opportunities, local government in Auckland will go from strength to strength no matter what the outcome of the royal commission.

* Leigh Auton is chief executive of the Manukau City Council.