For Cassidy Temese, working in local government is an opportunity to make a difference in the community they grew up in, helping ensure local voices, histories and aspirations are reflected in the decisions that shape its future.
Cassidy (Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngāpuhi) is the Kaitakawaenga – Iwi Relations Advisor at Ōtorohanga District Council, where they’ve worked for the past four years. Before joining the council, they worked in health promotion, research and policy, but the motivation behind their work has always been much the same.
“It’s about being of service to our community,” Cassidy says.
Earlier this year, Cassidy received a Poumatua Ka Puāwai recognition through the Hononga Indigenous Exchange, announced at the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards® in June. The judges described them as a blossoming leader whose courage, authenticity and commitment were already making a meaningful impact, recognising their potential to be a navigator for change and a champion for Māori communities.
As part of the recognition, Cassidy was sponsored by Hononga Consulting to attend the Taituarā Leaders in Local Government programme in Rotorua, giving them an opportunity to develop their leadership skills alongside others from across the sector.
It was actually a programme Cassidy had already been considering, although they weren’t entirely sure it was for them.
“I’m not a people leader in the sense that I don’t have any direct reports,” they explain.
But Cassidy’s role involves working across the organisation, building relationships with iwi and communities, and navigating complex conversations. Having now completed the programme, Cassidy couldn’t be happier they took part.
“I really, really loved it.”
Cassidy expressed their deep gratitude to Hononga Consulting and Taituarā for the opportunity to learn and grow with a focus on leadership in the local government sector.
Seeing things from a different perspective
One of Cassidy’s biggest takeaways has been learning to approach familiar challenges through a different lens, particularly when it comes to mitigating risk.
In their role, Cassidy works to ensure iwi and community perspectives are reflected in council decisions. Their natural approach has always been to focus on relationships, wellbeing and the positive outcomes that come from working together.
The programme encouraged them to think about how they could strengthen that approach by considering the risks of not taking action.
For example, when making the case for meaningful engagement with iwi, Cassidy now thinks more deliberately about the potential consequences of not engaging early or maintaining those relationships. What could it cost the council, and communities further down the track? Could it damage relationships that have taken years to build? And what might the financial or reputational implications be?
Cassidy has started incorporating the council’s risk matrix into proposals and recommendations, helping them build a more rounded and strategic case for the decisions they’re advocating.
While Cassidy would much rather focus on the positive value of partnerships than the consequences of getting things wrong, they’ve come to appreciate the importance of presenting different perspectives when influencing decisions.
The people make the programme
While the practical learning was certainly valuable, Cassidy says the connections they made were just as important.
The programme brought together people from different councils, roles and backgrounds, each with their own experiences and perspectives. Cassidy loved the diversity of the group and the genuine support they felt from both participants and presenters.
“I felt empowered, I felt supported. I felt seen as well.”
They were particularly impressed by the warmth and encouragement of the facilitators and presenters, who they say genuinely wanted participants to succeed.
And there was plenty of fun along the way. Between the learning sessions, shared dinners and conversations about work and life, the group formed strong friendships. Cassidy recalls one participant who started out quiet and reserved but had well and truly found their voice by the end.
Those connections have continued well beyond Rotorua, with participants regularly sharing knowledge, opportunities and encouragement. Cassidy has already reconnected with fellow participants at sector events, and the group have regularly been in touch to give each other guidance and to cheer each other on in their career development.
“It’s really built that solidarity across our cohort,” Cassidy says.
With so much change happening across local government, having a network of people to call on, learn from and support one another is something Cassidy sees as incredibly valuable.
A passion for community
Cassidy’s commitment to local government is deeply personal. They grew up in the Ōtorohanga district and now have the privilege of working in the community they call home.
“It’s about being able to support our communities to influence or contribute to decision-making processes, to enable the community to see themselves reflected in those decisions.”
Cassidy particularly enjoys being able to weave the district’s rich cultural history and knowledge into projects that will help shape its future.
Looking ahead, they’re focused on helping Ōtorohanga District Council navigate the changes facing local government while protecting the relationships, partnerships and commitments built over many years.
Who should give it a go?
Having initially questioned whether the programme was right for someone without direct reports, Cassidy now believes it has something to offer anyone wanting to grow their capability and contribution to local government leadership.
“Anyone who is wanting to grow, to build their understanding of how they can contribute to the local government sector, to become a better-rounded person or professional working in the sector – I would recommend it to anyone who’s willing to learn.”
For Cassidy, the experience has provided practical tools, new perspectives and a network of people who will continue to support them. It’s also reinforced that leadership isn’t necessarily about managing people, but about the influence you have and the difference you can make.
Interested in developing your leadership? Registrations are now open for the 2027 Taituarā Leaders in Local Government programme. Next year’s courses will run in Wellington and Hamilton in the first half of the year.
