Local government staff are caught in the unusual position of potentially helping build a case for their own redundancies as the sector faces sweeping reforms.

Canterbury councillors and staff are researching and modelling potential merger scenarios under government direction to simplify local government and remove duplication, with recognition that successful mergers could eventually cost them their jobs.

Which staff and how many all depend on the outcomes, which remain unknown as the Canterbury councils work towards submitting a proposal by the Government’s August 9 deadline.

Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach said the Government’s reform has “definitely created a degree of uncertainty for staff at all levels of the organisation”.

“It’s too early to say how the reform might play out for specific staff members, but what we do know is the work still needs to be done, and the skills, experience, and spirit of community service will still be required no matter what the final structural reform looks like.

“Our current focus is on keeping staff well-informed throughout the process, responding to questions as they arise, and ensuring appropriate support is available when needed.”

Riach acknowledged the difficulty staff and councillors are facing in the reform debate about the future shape of local government and its impact on their own futures as well.

“Staff directly involved in the reform process currently are focussed on providing the best possible information for councillors.

“Councillors will decide whether or not to submit an outline proposal, and the content of any proposal.

We want Councillors to have the best possible information in an incredibly short timeframe.”

Selwyn District Council’s interim chief executive, Steve Gibling, said it's clear the uncertainty around reform brings concern for staff and the wider community.

“That’s understandable given the number of unknowns still to be worked through.

“A large component of our work is delivering core services to our community, and that aspect is unlikely to change with these proposed changes.

“As an organisation, we are focusing on delivering these services for the community, identifying areas for improvement whilst also engaging constructively in the process around what the future may look like."

Gibling’s focus is on keeping staff informed.

“Giving them opportunities to have their say, and making sure they feel well informed about what we know and where the organisation is at with options.”

Selwyn has received 6900 responses to its amalgamation survey, and the council are “digesting that feedback now”.

“Importantly, we’ve also heard from our staff too, about what they see as the future for Selwyn.

“All of this feedback will be considered by our councillors in the coming month and a half.

“Importantly, no decisions have been made about structural changes, and if reform does progress, there will be clear, fair processes in place, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the services our communities rely on every day.”

By Jonathan Leask