117 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!

Image
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
5 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.

Image
Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1631 votes
17 hours ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

Image
A
18 hours ago

Sonic Delusion at Hilltop 6/12/25

Anna from Kelburn

It's on tomorrow - 6/12! Too funky for folk and too folky for funk — that’s Sonic Delusion’s happy, funky, and groovy indie pop. Saturday 7.30pm. Celebrating the release of André Manella’s new single “Smoooth”, the vibrant Swiss-Kiwi performer is armed with his trusty loop pedal and an array of instruments. Sonic Delusion layers beats, baselines, and melodies into a boogielicious live performance “bursting with more funk than folk can handle.” With over 1500 shows played across Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, and Germany, André has built a reputation for turning every gig into a feel-good party — “funny, fresh and funky… a welcome breath of entertainment, joy, fun and smiles” Graham Reid – Elsewhere. From Taranaki to the lower North Island, the “Smoooth” release tour promises catchy hooks, infectious grooves, and the perfect excuse to shake your worries away. “catchy melodic hooks that make you want to get up and dance” Amy Maynard – NZ Musician Magazine
Come along for the lovely vibe at Hilltop. Details and street number given with booking confirmation email. www.hilltophouseconcerts.co.nz..................

Image