23 February 2022
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Mayor and COVID
Enquiry
I've received a tip that the mayor has or had Covid-19.
Could the council / mayor please clarify if this is true?
If so it would be great, if she is well enough, to talk to her on the phone about how she is/was feeling/felt, when she found out she had it (or when she had it) and what her symptoms were, whether she visited the council while unknowingly contagious, and whether she'll be able to participate in this week's council meeting / when she expects she may be able to get back to council business.
If a call is not doable due to her condition it would be great if the council can comment on her behalf.
If it is true, may I extend my sincere hope for her speedy recovery and a very mild experience.
Response
Reporter was provided with an embargoed copy of a release that was to be released later today (see HERE) and arrangements were made for a phone interview with Mayor Chadwick.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Leadership development at RLC
Enquiry
I am working on a story at the moment on what employers are doing to foster great leadership/ how that may have changed over the years and what they are doing to attract great staff.
How does the RLC motivate and inspire its leadership team?
When the RLC is recruiting for leaders what attributes in a person are you looking for?
Are there any leadership roles at the council being advertised at the moment and what are they?
Response
From Director People and Organisational Development, Joe Akari:
Rotorua Lakes Council looks for leadership qualities in all of our employees, not just our managers, to encourage good, values-based decision making that supports the organisation to achieve the direction and outcomes we are seeking for our community.
RLC invests in leadership development in various ways:
- Taituara is the national organisation that supports and develops local government professionals in New Zealand, and staff have attended Local Government Accelerated Leadership programmes.
- Teams from RLC have participated in the annual Australasian Management Challenge, also run by Taituara, which is designed to enhance leadership and management skills of managers and staff.
- Attendance in first line leadership programmes for emerging leaders such as NZC Business.
This is supplemented by on-the-job coaching and mentoring that happens across council.
The council is currently developing its own leadership framework to improve in-house and bespoke leadership development.
When we look to recruit leaders, some of the common leadership attributes we look for include, but are not limited to:
- Communication skills - Giving and receiving feedback
- Ability to articulate a shared vision
- Strategic and tactical thinking and action orientated
- Cultural competence
- Proven ability to succeed through people
- Proven ability to motivate
These attributes are augmented by the required business skills.