Have your say on council engagement policy

Aucklanders are being urged to have their say on a draft policy that will shape the way council engages with the community on its key plans, policies and issues.

The council’s proposed Significance and Engagement Policy aims to better understand how and when Aucklanders expect to be involved in shaping council decisions, depending on the significance of the issue.

Councillor George Wood, chair of the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee, says that the results of the consultation will empower Aucklanders to ensure their voices are heard on important issues.

“This is an important part of the council’s decision making process. To put an effective policy in place, we need to hear how the community wants to engage with council on the decisions that impact them,” he says.

“Over the last few years we have made some real steps forward in improving our engagement with Aucklanders. This consultation highlights our commitment to continuing to drive that engagement forward.

“The process will provide us with a more complete understanding of their views and ideas, which in turn will help us to support the needs of our diverse communities and the future of the region.

“I wholeheartedly encourage Aucklanders to have their say on this important consultation by making sure they let us know what they think.”

The policy is a result of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act, which requires all councils to adopt a significance and engagement policy by 1 December 2014.

For more information and to make a submission on the proposed Significance and Engagement Policy visit shapeauckland.co.nz

The consultation is open now and closes on 19 October 2014.

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