About

Iti Kōpara – Public Governance Aotearoa

Iti Kōpara – Public Governance Aotearoa is an independent registered charitable trust established by a group of experienced public sector directors, with support from Te Kawa Mataaho: Public Service Commission, New Zealand Government Ministries and agencies, and Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.

Our kaupapa is the pursuit of public governance excellence. The objective is to achieve excellence of governance in the public sector with Boards reflecting the diversity of society in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We will achieve this through the development and delivery of excellent competency development and refresher training for public sector governance Boards.

Our vision is reflected in the whakatauki “He iti kōpara pioi ana te tihi o te Kahikatea” – “the small bell bird who aspires to reach the topmost branch of the kahikatea tree will set it swaying”.

The whakataukī is about striving for the uppermost reaches of one’s potential. It speaks to perseverance and capability. This is what the Trust is endeavouring to instil in current and aspiring public sector governors for the benefit of all Aotearoa New Zealand.

The course we have designed is called “Mā te kahukura ka rere te manu”. This refers to adorning the bird with contemporary governance knowledge and enabling it to fly to the highest peaks. In this context, ‘Kahukura’ refers to the pursuit of governance excellence through sharing purposeful governance knowledge, creating new knowledge and building relationships between course facilitators, guest practitioners and participants

Our values are reflected in these kaupapa statements

Manaakitanga

  • We recognise the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand by operating in ways that are inclusive, generous, fair and respectful.
  • We behave in ways that are mana-enhancing and reflect our commitment to the spirit of service.

Pūkengatanga

  • We strive for excellence in all activities and endeavours.
  • We are aspirational, innovative and future-focused.

Whanaungatanga

  • We value connecting, building and maintaining relationships and collaboration.
  • We are building a collective of high performing public sector directors and leaders with the skills and relevant knowledge to lead in contemporary society.

Kaitiakitanga

We actively think about how governance excellence can drive behaviours that nurture and protect people and the environment, now and for future generations.