Growing insights, connections, and friendship across the Tasman

Contributed by Brent Harvey, Group Manager, Community Experience and Services, Horowhenua District Council. Brent was the recipient of the 2025 AskYouTeam Overseas Manager Exchange to Queensland. 

I was honoured to be selected as a recipient of the Taituarā Overseas Manager Exchange, an initiative designed to build leadership capability, foster collaboration, and enhance international understanding across the local government sector. My exchange partner was Craig Drew from the Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) in Queensland, Australia. This programme represented not only a professional milestone, but an opportunity to deepen my understanding of global best practice in governance, funding, and community service delivery.

The exchange took place across two consecutive weeks. A dynamic and intensive exchange, Craig was hosted by Horowhenua District Council (HDC) before attending Te Hui Taituarā, the Taituarā Conference in Christchurch. This was followed by my visit to Queensland where I spent time with LVRC and concluded with the Local Government Manager Association Conference (LGMA) in Brisbane.

These experiences provided a contrasting view of leadership, innovation, and cultural practice within both nations’ local government systems. My motivation for applying to the programme stemmed from a desire to explore how international councils are addressing the same challenges faced by local authorities in Aotearoa, these being delivering essential services sustainably, maintaining affordability, and strengthening trust with communities. With experience leading community-facing portfolios across multiple councils, I sought to better understand alternative funding models, efficient service delivery approaches, and strategies that balance growth with community wellbeing.

This report highlights the key stages of the exchange, the learnings gained, and the reflections that continue to shape my leadership approach. It also highlights opportunities for ongoing collaboration and the potential to apply lessons from the exchange to HDC’s strategic direction.

Craig and his whānau were welcomed to Horowhenua with a mihi whakatau at Council, where they were greeted by members of the Executive Team and HDC’s waiata group. The ceremony reflected manaakitanga and the deep cultural values embedded within our organisation; Craig shared with me that this was the most moving experience of his time in New Zealand. Despite a shortened visit due to flight disruptions, the itinerary was rich in substance and connection. There was a real buzz and sense of excitement within the office; people were eager to meet him and hear about his work and experiences from Australia. His warmth, humour, and genuine curiosity about our district made an immediate impression, and the conversations that followed sparked ideas, laughter, and a sense of pride in what we do here at HDC.

Craig experienced key facilities including Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, the Levin Aquatic Centre, and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom in Foxton – all showcasing HDC’s commitment to accessible, inclusive, and culturally connected spaces. Collaboration sessions with our People & Capability, the newly established Innovation Hub, and Customer Experience teams provided opportunities to share ideas on leadership development, workforce culture, and service excellence.

Craig’s visit concluded with attendance at the 2025 Taituarā Conference in Christchurch, where we both connected with sector peers and reflected on how leadership, innovation, and partnership are shaping the future of local government in New Zealand.

You can read Craig’s report on his exchange here.

Following Craig’s visit, I travelled to Queensland to begin my exchange at the LVRC. Craig met me at the airport upon my arrival (proudly wearing his Destination Horowhenua tee shirt), setting the tone for a week defined by generosity, openness, and professional camaraderie. The Lockyer Valley is a region of immense agricultural productivity, often referred to as ‘Australia’s salad bowl’, and it was immediately evident how strongly the council’s work is tied to community resilience and local identity.

Throughout the week, I met with key LVRC staff including Amanda Pugh (Community and Regional Prosperity), Brendan Sippel (Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries), and John Holdcroft (Disaster Management) to understand their context and regional priorities, and how their respective teams contribute to community outcomes across the Lockyer Valley. I was privileged to deliver a presentation on New Zealand’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management framework to Mayor Milligan, Councillors and Council staff which initiated insightful dialogue around comparative governance structures, coordination models, and local leadership during emergencies.

One of the most impactful experiences for me was the kōrero and site visit to the Grantham floods – a tragedy that ended in multiple deaths and profoundly shaped the region’s collective identity. LVRC’s compassionate and coordinated response to community recovery reflected genuine tiakitanga, care, responsibility, and leadership in the face of adversity. The visit also reinforced how strong relationships and transparent communication are vital for maintaining trust between councils and communities.

I was equally impressed by the quality of community facilities, particularly the Lockyer Valley Sports and Aquatic Centre and the public open spaces maintained by LVRC. The level of investment supported through both State and Federal funding streams underscored a key distinction between Australian and New Zealand councils. Where New Zealand relies heavily on local rates, Australian councils benefit from broader resourcing mechanisms that enable more substantial infrastructure delivery and community programmes.

The exchange concluded with attendance at the LGMA Conference in Brisbane, where I was introduced during the opening session and invited to speak. This gesture of recognition not only created a sense of belonging but also facilitated meaningful engagement throughout the conference, as attendees sought me out to discuss the exchange and share perspectives between New Zealand and Australia. The conference reinforced key themes of innovation, collaboration, and leadership under pressure, all highly relevant to the New Zealand context.

The timing of both conferences, Taituarā in Christchurch for Craig and LGMA in Brisbane for myself, provided valuable symmetry, allowing each of us to contextualise our learning within our respective national frameworks. The pace of the exchange was intense, but the combined experience offered a depth of exposure that would not have been possible in isolation.

Across both countries, the exchange reaffirmed that while governance structures and funding models differ, the heart of local government remains constant, the pursuit of outcomes that strengthen communities. New Zealand continues to lead in integrating Te Ao Māori and cultural awareness into council practice, while Australia excels in inter-governmental funding partnerships and infrastructure enablement. Each approach offers valuable lessons that can inform the other.

The most significant insight for me was how leadership presence and authenticity, shape organisational resilience. Observing how LVRC leaders engaged their teams and communities, and comparing this with HDC’s collaborative culture, reinforced the universal importance of people-first leadership.

Since returning, Craig and I have remained in regular contact, facilitating introductions between our teams and sharing documents, strategies, and ideas across areas such as customer experience, people leadership, and innovation. This ongoing relationship ensures the benefits of the exchange continue well beyond the initial experience.

This exchange has been transformative both professionally and personally. It deepened my appreciation for the balance between strategic leadership and cultural humility, leading with both purpose and empathy. Serving as Acting Chief Executive prior to the exchange had already expanded my strategic perspective, but the exchange reinforced the importance of adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, and collaborative influence. It strengthened my confidence in representing New Zealand’s local government sector internationally and reaffirmed the value of building authentic relationships grounded in trust and respect.

I extend my sincere thanks to Taituarā, AskYourTeam, the LVRC, and HDC for their support in making this exchange possible. The experience has broadened my leadership perspective, strengthened professional networks, and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of collaboration.

I wholeheartedly recommend the exchange to future applicants. It is a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and represent Aotearoa’s local government sector with pride and integrity. The insights, connections, and friendships gained through this journey will continue to shape my mahi and leadership approach for many years to come.