MY MISSION IS TO HELP COUNCILS AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH TURBULENT TIMES
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Local Government Change
Strategic advice to Councils and Executive Teams on reforms advocacy
Helping navigate the machinery of Government
Policy responses to legislative change
Supporting forging partnerships with iwi and hapū
Governance training and capability development
Strategic Plans & Projects
End-to-end strategy development and project management across diverse topics including community wellbeing, climate change response and housing
Project concepts and business case development for internal and community-based projects
Developing 'MOU' relationships and agreements
Council Plans & Management
Annual and Long Term Plan development and community engagement
Designing and managing place-based 'plan-making' processes
Developing and monitoring prioritising and performance systems
Advising on fit-for-future structures and change programme design
Disaster Management
Specialist knowledge and expertise in recovery from disasters and developing regeneration programmes
Developing and reviewing ‘CDEM’ plans and guidance
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About
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Simon Markham Consulting was launched in early 2021 as the local government sector was entering its most challenging period of change since the 1989 reforms.
Councils retain a wellbeings mandate while with their communities are facing a complex set of challenges in an increasingly ‘VUCA’ world - volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. There is unmistakable evidence of ‘system stress’ in the local government sector. At the same time preparing for and responding to disasters in an increasingly disrupted climate adds additional challenge.
A range of new policy and legislative initiatives are being launched. These touch all aspects of how Councils operate, partner with others and their communities. Remaining sustainable and relevant in dealing with an unprecedented set of pressures is key. We are in a time of elevated risks but rich opportunities. SMC Ltd.’s mission is to work with local governance entities and communities to mitigate those risks and realise opportunities for enhanced wellbeing.
Academic background in social science and urban planning; a senior scholar and prize-winner from the University of Auckland
A range of policy, planning and management roles in/consulting to local & central government in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch
20 years executive team experience in medium-large Councils
For over ten years collaborated with cities in the USA and Europe under the auspice of the Bertelsmann Foundation in Germany, leading one of its worldwide LG best practice research projects
Awarded in 2013 a Civil Defence and Emergency Management Ministerial Gold Award for outstanding contribution to CDEM in NZ
Associate Fellow, NZ Institute of Management (retd.); Chartered Member, NZ Institute of Directors; 10 years Board and Life Member Taituarā – Local Government Professionals Aotearoa
Assisted a number of advisory boards and Committees, including 5 years on LGNZ’s Policy Advisory Group
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Track Record
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Led Departments up to 111 ftes with budget of $18M and projects up to $34M; member management team for Councils up to 2,200 staff and $285 million budget
Responsibility for significant and successful change initiatives in information technology, convention & entertainment facilities, and metro, district, and town centres planning
Responsibility for national and international award-winning disaster recovery and regeneration projects
A successful Senior Manager with Waimakariri DC that holds an AA rating by the LGNZ Local Government Excellence Programme - leading WDC with that programme
As one of several associates to Morrison Solutions, in 2021-22 worked with ten Councils on reforms readiness and the future for local government
Since then undertaken a wide range of policy, planning and research projects with Government, Regional and Local Councils, with references available
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Simon receiving his Institute of Directors Chartered Member certificate from Kirsten Patterson, Chief Executive IOD, 2019
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Why SMC?
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Wide and deep local government sector knowledge
Well-developed networks – ability to draw on associates with diverse skill
Know how in the machinery of central and local government policy and legislative processes
Capable and highly experienced policy and governance excellence advisor to Councils
Skilled at preparing and presenting governance training to elected officials
A skilled analyst, strategic planner, facilitator, and engaging presenter – have given many presentations in New Zealand, and several in Australia and the US
A credentialed and experienced Board and advisory board committee member
A capable and adaptable leader of people, teams, and change
Skilled at developing and managing relationships and engaging with peers and communities
Proven success managing diverse, large-scale, and complex projects, in both ‘peacetime’ and emergency situations
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Contact
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