119 days ago

Poll: Is restructuring the right tool for change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Restructure.
A scary word that can make people uneasy—and for good reason. According to The Post, more than a third of New Zealand’s public services have recently faced it.

But why is restructuring the go-to strategy for driving change?

In The Post’s article 'Reaching for change: Is our public service obsessed with restructuring?', doctoral candidate Annika Naschitzki from Victoria University is trying to understand repetitive restructuring.

New Zealand’s public service is often seen as risk-averse, slow-moving, and stuck. But interviewed staff indicate that they want change, that change is needed ... just not through restructuring.

Naschitzki doesn’t mince words: “We always have the same issues, but we keep trying to fix the same problem with the same hammer we've been using for decades.”

Are we leaning too heavily on structural change when real transformation might lie elsewhere? Perhaps through training, resourcing, tools, and practice, as Naschitzki suggests.

What do you think?
Is restructuring the right tool for meaningful change, or just a habit we can’t seem to break?
If you are wary of restructuring, how can we do better?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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Is restructuring the right tool for change?
  • 7.4% Restructuring is the only option in the current climate
    7.4% Complete
  • 25.5% Can be great if done in consultation with staff doing the work
    25.5% Complete
  • 15.1% Any change is good, as long as we know what we are trying to achieve
    15.1% Complete
  • 14.1% No, restructuring consumes too much resourcing
    14.1% Complete
  • 35.6% There is no one-size-fits-all answer ...
    35.6% Complete
  • 2.2% Other - I will share below
    2.2% Complete
714 votes
More messages from your neighbours
40 minutes ago

Ryman Village Open Days

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Wednesday 10 December, 10am - 3pm

Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.

More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.

The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!
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7 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
2072 votes
3 days ago

Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.

We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?

Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.

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Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
  • 93.1% Yes
    93.1% Complete
  • 6.9% No
    6.9% Complete
58 votes