It may not be making much news, but New Zealand's UN Security Council role is stretching the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade. Our diplomats are proud that at their behest, a special council meeting was called to revise a resolution involving a UN force in Afghanistan. As a result the resolution was changed, and adopted with the support of the whole council and the Afghan Government. As well, New Zealand is the "penholder" on the Syrian humanitarian group, drafting resolutions calling for the delivery of humanitarian aid, without necessarily requiring Syrian Government consent. Things will get even more pressing when New Zealand assumes the council presidency in July. As they say in the public service, resources are being reprioritised.
Socially aware
Semi-interesting fact: the 2013 Census counted 18,327 people who identified themselves as social workers. But the total number of registered social workers in 2013-14 was only 4621. Under the law, registration is voluntary and clearly many of those who call themselves social workers believe it isn't worth bothering with. Officials believe unregistered social workers are "mostly harmless", but never fear, a review is under way. Perhaps we could solve the shortage of surgeons by making registration voluntary.
Dream team
Auckland Super City boss Stephen Town (pictured) has his feet firmly under the table after a year and a bit, and is focusing on building his "dream team". It was no surprise when chief finance officer Andrew McKenzie moved on (he missed out to Town on the top job) but he has been followed, or soon will be, by chief planning officer Dr Rodger Blakeley, human resources director Alan Brookbanks, governance director Grant Taylor and civil defence director Clive Manley. Among new appointments to the executive leadership team - which is gaining a private sector feel -- are former PWC director Sue Tindall coming into the finance role and former KiwiRail CEO Jim Quinn as chief of strategy. They join former AECOM managing director Dean Kimpton who, as chief operating officer since 2013, has been a rising star and go-to guy for tricky tasks, like the state house sculpture debacle and the council computer system blowout. Town is also beginning to shape Development Auckland, the new CCO replacing Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Council Property (ACPL). Word is that Waterfront Auckland chief executive John Dalzell will become chief executive and ACPL chief executive David Rankin the chief operating officer.
Top titles
The Insider doesn't know what the working conditions are like, but several jobs being advertised by Parliamentary Service certainly come with splendid titles. The service - which provides administrative and support services to MPs - is seeking an organisational development manager to join the people and culture team, as well as a senior organisational development advisor. Then there's a senior learning and development advisor, a grand sounding talent manager, and a services manager, people and culture. All worthy jobs, no doubt.
Sav day
Important diary note: next Friday, April 24, is International Sauvignon Blanc Day. To mark the event, NZ Winegrowers says there will be sav-related events at home and overseas, all celebrating the varietal that accounts for 86 per cent of New Zealand's wine exports.
