‘It’s Not Like Never-the-Twain-Shall-Meet’: Politician–Staff Relationship Structures in Local Government

Abstract

Local governments have two primary components: elected representatives and employed staff. The relationship between these two groups has significant impacts on local authority operation. Two key theoretical models used to characterise these relations, the well-established Politics/Administration Dichotomy and the recently conceived Complementarity Model, are employed here to explore relationships in New Zealand councils. Results show varying views regarding whether the separation of staff and elected representatives (councillors) is based on their respective roles or inputs. A role-based separation emphasises distinct ‘realms’, with elected representatives controlling policy making and staff controlling the implementation of policy. This approach supports a hegemonic relationship and embodies the Politics/Administration Dichotomy. On the other hand, an input-based separation emphasises the issues that each group should focus on, with councillors integrating community desires and staff contributing their technical expertise. The latter lends itself to interactive processes and is consistent with the Complementarity Model. Neither input nor role-based relationships are inherently superior; various empirical factors influence the suitability of each. This suggests that it is advantageous to have multiple theoretical models accounting for alternative local government relationship structures, but future research is needed to clarify the ‘best’ options for different contexts.

Key Words:

• Politics administration dichotomy
• complementarity model
• politician–staff relationships
• New Zealand

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nathan Stocker

Nathan Stoker is a recent graduate of the Master of Planning programme at the Department of Geography, University of Otago. His research interests include how local government planners balance their personal values and wider community values, as well as how relationship dynamics between politicians and council staff define and reflect their respective values and roles. He currently works in a policy team at a New Zealand territorial authority.

Michelle Thompson-Fawcett

Michelle Thompson-Fawcett is an associate professor in the Department of Geography, University of Otago. Michelle’s research focuses on power relations and practices of inclusion and exclusion in local planning. She is co-author of the book Māori and Mining (2013), published by Te Poutama Maori, Dunedin, and co-editor of the book Tāone Tupu Ora: Indigenous knowledge and sustainable urban design (2010), published by Steele Roberts Aotearoa, Wellington.