By Jo Cooper

Peter McKinlay does not shy away from the hard issues of local government.

The impacts of globalisation and demographic change; the responsibility of councils to help communities create preferred futures; and the importance of creating strategies, not just identifying outcomes – these are just some of the meaty topics he has tackled in writings and presentations over the years.

Based in New Zealand, McKinlay is director of the Local Government Centre at AUT University, a think-tank focused on local government, and executive director of consultancy McKinlay Douglas, which has worked with the public sector for about 20 years.

It is clear he finds local governments all over the world endlessly intriguing.

He describes the sector as one with “fascinating challenges and huge frustrations” but believes its glory days are still to come – if it is prepared to engage in some self-reflection. MORE>>

Read the full article: Leader or administrator? [PDF]

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.  

Sign up to the Government News newsletter