Ep 25 - Local Decision Making, with Judene Edgar

I first met today’s guest when we were fellow actors in our local drama production, but she is much more than a former theater colleague. Deputy Mayor of Nelson City Council, Judene Edgar, really epitomizes what it means to be committed, to going beyond consultation. Her CV is really lengthy (which we discuss), but safe to say that Judene has perspective from so many different angles! In this episode we look ahead to the future of local governments because Judene is in the thick of some of the reforms that are coming down the pipeline being potentially taken from councils and transferred to regional organizations . Within this context, how can you enable local power and local decision making when services are being centralized to improve efficiency through scale? How do you do engagement and consultation? How do you choose the right media? How do you set expectations realistically? We talk about how to keep yourself healthy and well, when you're driven by service and a need to say yes. In today’s episode you’ll learn: The importance of scoping the actual problem, instead of finding solutions for the symptoms. Why it’s important to forge real interpersonal relationships with your community - get out there! How to keep yourself healthy and well when you’re driven by service. Why the right media and realistic expectations go a long way to building trust and understanding in your community. Resources mentioned in this episode Judene’s LinkedIn profile. Information on the Three Waters Reform Programme. Sign up for the Movement Makers newsletter Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter and get the insights, tools and powerful whakaaro from people transforming the collaboration space.