Overseas Manager Exchanges

Apply for the 2011 Exchange Programme

Applications for the 2011 Overseas Manager Exchange Programme is now being accepted. Please submit your applications by Friday, 8 April 2011.

To apply: 

1. Download the 2011 Overseas Manager Exchange Programme Brochure (PDF 753 kb)
2. Complete the application form found in the brochure
3. Submit the completed form to SOLGM by Friday, 8 April 2011

Submit your application to:

David Smtih
SOLGM
dsmith@solgm.org.nz
PO Box 5538, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145

Who can apply?

Full SOLGM Members are eligible to apply for the United States, Canada and Australia (New South Wales & Queensland) exchanges.

Associate SOLGM Members are eligible to apply for the Australian exchange.

Why should you apply?

Many SOLGM members have benefited from this exchange. Here are some of the testimonials from past participants"

"I soon learned the real benefit of the exchange programme – the continual discussions about a wide range of issues that occur when complete strangers with a common interest, in this case local government, meet and have a concentrated period of time in which they can talk freely and frankly. As previous exchange managers will attest, a wide range of issues are discussed with your exchange partners during the course."  Peter Mickelson, Thames-Coromandel District Council

"The greatest gain was the networking with my host Council, having free and frank exchanges with their CEO and his team and being able to drop your guard and ask the questions you might think twice about back home. And then there are the friendships and social contacts as well. Plans are already in place for a catch-up with our respective families in 2011." Phil Melhopt, Central Otago District Council

"I would certainly encourage other SOLGM members to put their name forward to this exchange; not only was I able to learn best practice ideas that can be applied to New Zealand as well as establish and develop networks overseas. Both Horowhenua District Council, and myself personally as a manager have benefited from this exchange."David Clapperton, Horowhenua District Council

"This is an opportunity I would recommend to anyone. If you have a sense of adventure, want to get an inside view of local government in another country and get all the benefits associated with a cultural exchange then don’t procrastinate, go for it. The exchange programme provides an experience that can’t be replicated with friendships and contacts made that will endure forever."Andrew Feieraband, Hurunui District Council

"Couldn’t have wished for a better experience – whilst there are differences in the span of activity (eg Police) there were many similarities. I found the approach to resource management interesting - and the inter-regional relationships very telling. Politics has many similarities half a world away!"Clare Hadley, Rangitikei District Council