Effectiveness and efficiency: Stories from the public sector

In an environment of fiscal constraint, New Zealand's public sector is looking for more effective and efficient ways to deliver public services.

Public sector agencies told us that it can be hard to find out about the ideas and experiences of others - so we contacted 190 agencies and asked for their success stories. Many agencies responded: city, district, and regional councils; public service departments; and Crown entities of all sizes and locations.

These 47 stories are from the perspective of the agency.

We have not audited to check the facts, but each agency has confirmed that its story is fairly represented.

Most of the stories have common elements, such as collaboration and sharing services, capable and engaged staff, and fostering an organisational focus on effectiveness and efficiency. There are also stories about improving corporate or back-office functions, and directly improving services. All highlight the common aim of delivering better services to the public.

Access the stories and share your own

We hope you find the stories a useful source of ideas. Please share your own success stories with us, and please tell us what you think of this approach.

Page last updated: 20 December 2018