About

 

Terms of Reference

Purpose

The Geospatial Information Advisory Group (GIAG) is a sub group of the ICT Working Group. The ICT Working Group is a group set up by Local Government New Zealand to advise the local government sector on issues relating to Information Communication Technology. GIAG will be the primary avenue for advising the ICT Working Group and the local government sector on the preferred response/position on issues relating to Geospatial Information.

GIAG has the primary objective of focusing on issues of strategic significance to the local government sector as a whole in relation to Geospatial Information. In meeting this objective GIAG will attempt to develop a sector consensus whilst responding to government policy initiatives and developing policy and/or sector views where it is advantageous to do so.

The group will also look to champion best practice where appropriate and initiate new projects and make recommendations for future initiatives for the sector to consider. The group will be composed of senior local government officials who have a range of expertise on matters relating to geospatial information. The group will also have representatives from relevant central government agencies to ensure that effective collaboration between central and local government is maintained.

The group will be the link for the sector to the Officials Committee for Geospatial Information or its successor when this group is revived or succeeded.

Membership

Chair

Local Government New Zealand –represented by The Manager of the Development and Infrastructure Team

Core Group Membership

The size of neither the group nor its membership is fixed. In establishing the group a broad membership representing the geographical and sectorial spread of local government is envisaged.

  • Representatives from the local government sector, taking into account where possible, geographical spread and sectorial interests, and areas of expertise
  • Representatives will have an in-depth understanding of Geospatial Information issues and an ability to assess these in a broader local government context.
  • Representatives will be senior local government staff.
  • Representatives from Emergency Management Services (NZ Fire and Police)
  • The ICT Working Group Representative for Land Information New Zealand.
  • Members Emergency Management Services and other relevant central government agencies.

Guiding Principles for the Group

Group will:

  • Provide advice and guidance to the ICT Working Group on strategic and policy issues relating to Geospatial Information.
  • Promote best practice guidance for the sector on matters relating to Geospatial Information.
  • Promote a more proactive response from local government in relation to its needs for Geospatial Information.
  • Champion new and innovative methods for using Geospatial Information and promote this to the sector.
  • Provide and maintain effective communication linkages internally and externally to ensure that local government through the ICT Working Group is well informed and has an opportunity raise issues and to contribute to the work in a timely manner.
  • GIAG will only get involved in issues raised by or on behalf of an individual council where there are aspects that are of wider significance to the sector as a whole.

Workgroups/Project Teams

From time to time GIAG will establish project teams to address specific issues or undertake specific tasks. Whilst these workgroups/project teams may involve GIAG members they are also likely to involve others appointed by GIAG for their specific expertise or knowledge. These project teams will report to GIAG. GIAG will report to the ICT Working Group on a quarterly basis.

Meetings

GIAG Meetings

GIAG will meet quarterly. Local Government New Zealand will host the meetings at their offices in Wellington. Adhoc meetings can be arranged if the need arises.

Workgroups/Project Teams

Will meet as required. Where possible the use of emails and teleconferencing will be encouraged to save on travel time and costs.

Costs

Local Government New Zealand is unable to fund the travel or accommodation costs of those involved in the Geospatial Information Advisory Group or any other workgroup or project team. It is expected that these costs will lie with the employing council.

Local Government New Zealand will provide the meeting venue and fund all associated meeting costs.

Local Government New Zealand will also fund any research or external analysis required to be undertaken by the group where these costs are consistent with and can be accommodated within existing work plans.