Stefan Speller

25/08/2024

"Although council codes of conduct can appear to have no teeth, there is a significant release valve for communities to remove any misbehaving councillors or mayors - every three years at an election."

A recent piece for Stuff's The Post (Wellington), The Press (Christchurch), and Waikato Times.

OPINION: The limitations of the code of conduct highlight the challenges of balancing accountability and democratic representation in local government.

01/08/2024

Shaping the future of governance: NextGen insights

Join the Institute of Directors New Zealand to hear from local directors Caroline Tate, Carl Bates and Stefan Speller about their journeys as younger people in governance.

The next generation of governance leaders are bringing positive transformation to boardrooms across New Zealand.

Panellists will discuss how they got their first roles, insights into the workings of an effective board, challenges they’ve faced, key lessons learned as well as the advice they’d give their younger selves.

Find registration here: https://www.iod.org.nz/all-events/wellington-branch-event/shaping-the-future-of-governance-nextgen-insights #

- Panellists:

Caroline Tate

Caroline Tate is on the Touch Compass Board and has a background in law, a Master of Business Administration and a passion for the arts. Caroline was recently Chair and Board Member of Te Manawa Museums Trust.

Carl Bates CFInstD

Carl is an accountant by profession. Appointed to his first directorship of a specialised aged care facility at the age of 18, he became a director of Arena Manawatu and a council member of UCOL the following year.

Carl later built a professional services firm based in Africa, with clients in New Zealand and around the world. These have included businesses in the primary industries, animal health, food safety and manufacturing, retail, health, education and other sectors.

Carl was elected to Parliament as the MP for Whanganui in October 2023.

Stefan Speller MInstD

Stefan started on a board role at 20 years old and his first chair role at 26. Stefan has worked with schools, charities, incorporated societies and trusts. He is a Senior Advisor in a central government department, columnist and speaker.

He has previously worked as a Ministerial and Executive Services Advisor for several Cabinet portfolios. He is studying law at Victoria University and organisational analysis with Stanford University.

Join us to hear from local directors Stefan Speller, Caroline Tate and Carl Bates about their journeys as younger people in governance.

03/06/2024

07/05/2024

Councils need to be responsive to community sentiment and knowledge. Through public consultation the idea that councillors have already made up their minds has been repeated. Wednesday’s decision proves that that is not the case.

While the pause is the mark of a successful and responsible council, taking stock after concerns for safety from locals, it also appears to be the result of a significant failure in informed decision making.

OPINION: While the pause in works is the mark of a responsible and responsive council, it also appears to be the result of a significant failure in informed decision making.

21/04/2024

OPINION: The changes make it more difficult for disabled people to get on and off buses.

05/04/2024

03/04/2024

Thanks to Electra and the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce for engaging in this discussion.

Reflections from this morning’s Electra Business Breakfast, exploring the theme of community governance-the good, bad, and ugly.

💡We MUST lead under a clear purpose! How can you inspire participation and passion without it?

💡Governance requires a clear focus on culture; creating the right environment for individuals to share their experience, energy, and connections.

💡Managing perceived risks is critical, but it can likewise hamstring innovation. We need diversity of thought to truly unpack high risk versus high return (and vice versa)

💡Effective compliance means clear policies, a healthy path for feedback & communication, and clear and direct leadership when your compliance metrics become compromised

Our key takeaway from the morning? Volunteers and not-for-profit organisations are the backbone to our society. We need to enable (and fund) our community to do the deep rooted work that requires lived experience, trusted connections, and a values-led mindset. How do we shift the dial on how funding and resources get directed, spent, and allocated?

31/03/2024

OPINION: Many Palmy residents don't understand how much we benefit from our neighbours.

28/03/2024

It's windy out there, so please drive with care and make sure your trampolines and outdoor furniture are secure.

We are aware of some branches that have fallen. We're out and about with our contractors and will be prioritising work on major streets first.

You can report a fallen tree or branch that is impacting roads or footpaths by giving us a call on 06 3568199.

25/03/2024

"Good governance matters because it provides a clear and unique direction for an organisation, fulfilling the needs of those it caters to."

Join me next week as I speak to the Electra Business Breakfast on the realities of community governance in New Zealand.

Tickets available here: https://mailchi.mp/86ecc50275fe/electra-business-breakfast-3-apr-the-reality-of-community-governance-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly-reminder?fbclid=IwAR3bSXtye2FSsQ_jxRzgBwakBWkTIeY_N74IjW4GomSWli5kHBmdnXf03fU

"Good governance matters because it provides a clear and unique direction for an organisation, fulfilling the needs of those it caters to."

25/03/2024

Join me next week as we get into the good, the bad and the ugly of community governance in New Zealand.

Governance boards are an essential part of most organisations and can be complex. Stefan Speller, a thought leader and commentator on governance and community leadership will talk at this about the realities of community governance, the good, bad and the ugly. We know there are differences and challenges between private & business sector corporate governance, and community & social services boards. Community governance can also be rewarding and life changing.

https://mailchi.mp/86ecc50275fe/electra-business-breakfast-3-apr-the-reality-of-community-governance-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly-reminder

16/03/2024

https://events.humanitix.com/the-reality-of-community-governance-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly