New Zealand Exchange Report

Bob Payette, CAO for the District of Metchosin, was selected as the successful applicant for LGMA’s 2024–2025 Overseas Exchange Program! Representing British Columbia, he attended the Taituara Conference in New Zealand in September 2024. In June 2025, he will host his exchange partner, Morag Taimalietane, Principal Advisor for Customer and Community at Kapiti Coast District Council. Bob’s full report on his experiences is now available on the LGMA website.

“As a focus to my visit to New Zealand, I wanted to understand issues regarding government housing,” Bob shares in his report. “A relevant current topic in our own British Columbia communities, and globally. Secondly, my visit to the City of Whangarei focused on relationships building with local Māori, I was very fortunate to attend a full day of related activities including the Council vote to continue to have the Māori Ward at the Council table, and well as the Te Reo Program.”

Read Bob’s report for more details, and keep an eye out for applications to open for the next Overseas Exchange Program in early 2025! Bob is also happy to speak with anyone considering applying.