Hi :Person_firstname:

This week we announce an exciting new partnership, a glamorous event, and a soon-to-be-released e-learning course. Grab a cuppa and check it out.

Join us for an evening of celebration, glitz and glamour

We are in planning mode for our 2019 Gala Dinner and The Marketplace, being held on 11 April in Auckland. We look forward to announcing and celebrating the winners of our awards, exchanges, and scholarships, and showcasing the innovative and inspiring projects that are positively impacting our communities. It's 30 years since the establishment of our Excellence Awards, and we will also be celebrating this milestone. Tickets can be purchased here.

New Partnership for SOLGM

We are excited to announce that BERL has come on board as one of our Principal Partners. BERL has been a long-term partner of SOLGM, and this is a welcome step in our joint commitment to supporting and improving the lives of New Zealanders. Find out more.

New e-learning course coming soon

Twenty-eight councils have subscribed to our e-learning course, LG How Local Government Works® since it's launch in October. That's 580 local government professionals learning in their own time and at their own pace. Our first course was all about the legislative environment. We will soon be launching our next e-learning course, Rating KnowHow. This course is particularly suitable for rating staff, revenue managers and team leaders, finance managers, legal staff, and those with an interest in rating. It will cover all aspects of the rating environment. Contact us to register your interest in this course.

2019 Management Challenge - Registrations for 2019 closing soon

More than 110 councils across Australia and New Zealand have entered into the 2019 Management Challenge. The Challenge is uniquely targeted to the local government environment, highly relevant, excellent value, and a great way to foster the careers of rising stars. Registrations for 2019 close on 29 February. More information is on the Management Challenge website. 

Following the departure of Tanya Winter from Otago Regional Council to take up a new role at Otorohanga District Council. we are pleased to announce that Sarah Gardner, Chief Executive of Otago Regional Council, will represent the 45 Branch for the rest of the two-year term (ending 30 June).

Applications are open for the Office for Seniors Community Connects grants, which help fund projects that promote the inclusion and contribution of older people in community life. The grants are open to any New Zealand council, and close on 7 April. Find out more.

Upcoming SOLGM events

13 February - Taking the Pain out of Pre-election Reports Webinar FINAL REMINDER!!!
This webinar will cover the contents and processes involved in preparing a pre-election report.

18-19 February - JLT Risk Management Forum FINAL REMINDER!!!
Our annual professional development and networking event for risk practitioners.

28 February - 1 March - Project Management, Wellington
A workshop for project managers covering simple, fast and effective tools and techniques that work.

14-15 March, Professional Administrators Forum EARLYBIRD REGISTRATIONS CLOSING SOON!!!
A forum for professional administrators covering resilience, networking and practical tools.

21-22 March - Contract Management, Wellington
A workshop for contract and procurement professionals covering how to negotiate, monitor and manage effective contracts with suppliers.

5 April - Community Services and Facilities Forum
A forum for community services and facilities professionals to connect, discuss best practice and topical matters.

11 April - Gala Dinner & The Marketplace
THE glamour event of the year to recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in the local government sector.

Other events...

The Inclusive Growth Summit, a joint initiative of RSA ANZ, Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) and the Local Government Think Tank, brings together thought leaders, policy-makers, and civil society organisations to consider the evolving policy and practice of inclusive growth, and to explore the establishment of a New Zealand-based growth network. This is being held on 19 March at Wharewaka Function Centre in Wellington. Find out more.

EMANZ Conference and Exhibition 2019 - Shaping our Low Emissions Future, 29 & 30 May, Harbourside Function Centre, Wellington
This conference will not be a talking shop about whether we need to adapt to address climate change, but will be setting the agenda for that adaptation. In short, how we go about shaping our low emissions future. Find out more about this and other EMANZ events.

Have a great week.

The SOLGM Team

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