The NZ Society of Local Government Managers (SOLGM) will now be known as Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa (you can hear the correct pronunciation here).
The name ‘Taituarā’ was formally gifted by Ministers Hon Nanaia Mahuta and Hon Peeni Henare last month following consultation with members and stakeholders.
Taituarā means backbone in te reo Māori and metaphorically describes unseen, unconditional support and strength. It implies courage, resilience and empowerment.
Taituarā President Phil Wilson said that the new name is a strong reflection of our organisation’s identity and commitment to promoting, supporting and strengthening professional management and operations in local government.
“SOLGM has served us well for more than 30 years. Our new name reflects the journey we’ve been on to become the go-to organisation for local government best-practice learning, development and resources. It positions us well for the future.
SOLGM originally emerged in the late 1980s when the NZ Institute of County Clerks merged with the NZ Institute of Town Clerks and Municipal Treasurers to become the NZ Society of Local Government Managers.
The tohu
The tohu (logo) was introduced in 2009 to represent strength, growth and support for the sector. This was refreshed in 2014 and, although the colours and design changed slightly at this time, the tohu retained its meaning.
Taituarā means backbone, strength and support — so the tohu remains as relevant as ever.
Name gifting
Taituarā was formally gifted by the Minister of Local Government, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, and the Minister of Defence, Hon Peeni Henare last month.
This followed consultation with members and stakeholders about the role of our organisation, and our strengths.
Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa remains as passionate as ever about promoting and supporting local government professionals to better deliver and enable the people they serve.
What is Taituarā and what does it mean for our organisation?
Our best-practice learning and development is our taituarā for building an ethical, skilled, diverse and adaptable workforce; to promote innovation and excellence to enhance capability and service delivery to our local communities.
Our knowledge-base is our taituarā; our best-practice evidence-based resources for our members and the sector to provide efficient and effective services to their community.
Our taituarā is in our thought leadership and our ability to collaborate so that our members, the sector and stakeholders can be supported to prepare for the future.
Our impartiality is our taituarā, an independent go-to, speaking truth to power when providing advice and policy input.
Our members are the taituarā, providing a platform to advocate on policy for the legislation and regulation that impacts communities.
Our partners and sponsors are our taituarā, supporting us to deliver value to our members and to the sector.