I interviewed James Palmer, departing chief executive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, just as he was leaving to become chief executive and Secretary for the Environment in Wellington … the most senior career public official responsible for NZ’s environmental policy. Extraordinarily competent … I can’t imagine the job being in better hands.
He discusses, candidly, the challenges of dealing with vexing issues like water policy, co-governance and often distrust in public institutions. This is an in-depth interview, best suited to serious students of local government.
Great interview/discussion between two smart men who realise they don’t have all the answers but are willing to face some of the hard questions.
Good luck filling those shoes.
Very good interview. Thanks
Blimmin good interview Tom and James. Awesome to hear a conversation highlighting how complex our water systems are and the worldviews that influencing this in Hawke’s Bay
Outstanding interview Tom…. Thank you! James Palmer has been a real influence for change in the culture and thinking within HBRC and more broadly. Our loss, Ministry for Environment’s great gain! In your words Tom: “Extraordinarily competent … I can’t imagine the job being in better hands”
Very revealing interview Tom. Some problems exposed but not discussed as evidenced by Tank outcomes. In my view Maoridom doesn’t exist, what we need to cope with is tribalism. Also, emission reductions in NZ will have no direct effect on climate change because the major emitters are overseas.
Great interview Tom, I think James will do a great job at the MfE, and share your views in that regard. I sincerely hope that the HBRC selects a worthy successor.
Well the water woes in the bay are the toughest, given the fine balance between environment and need of economy is meticulously maintained in the bay area, there is always a need to provide right answers and be able to prove them as climate change morphs the problem into something sophisticated to be explained in simple terms.
Answer, Science. Though methodically driven, science needs rigorous investigations, Thankfully the records span more than 30~40 years with different quality.
When chip in was a requirement to support it, this team managed to convince the community and with a bit of CG funds, got a database that is only possible in USA or Europe, both by size and funding.
It takes strong mind to foresee what is required, to not to stay behind, when world is chugging forward. that enables putting Bay on the world map. Thanks to lineage of execs, including James pave the way.
Usually I would have congratulated James for achievement but this once I will congratulate MfE for taking in the right candidate.
Note: I was part of team working under him, I know him but he doesn’t.