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More about public consultations

"When you tell me, I forget; when you show me, I remember; when you involve me, I understand." (International Association for Public Participation - IAP2).

What is consultation?

Our consultation policy defines consultation as "the dialogue that precedes decision-making". This does not mean that the decision will be delegated to those being consulted. Most often, the views expressed during consultation form part of the information council uses to make a decision.

Read the Consultation policy

Who runs consultations?

The consultation policy is set by the council. Individual project teams run their consultation in accordance with the consultation policy and other statutory requirements (Local Government Act, Resource Management Act, etc).

Why does council consult?

Often council has a legislative requirement to consult with affected parties. However in addition to legislative requirements, we use consultation to improve the quality of our decision-making and to test public opinion.

How does council decide what it will consult on and with whom?

Legislation such as the LGA and the RMA require consultation in certain circumstances (for example the creation of a new long-term council community plan, or an amendment to a bylaw) and have procedures that must be followed (e.g. the special consultative procedure).

There is specific legislative discretion given to local authorities in deciding how to consult. We assess the merits of consultation on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature and significance of the project or decision, the impact it will have on affected people, the likely cost and benefit of consultation and the degree to which public input will improve the quality of the decision.

We encourage those people who will or may be affected by, or have an interest in, the matter to present their views. From a practical perspective this means that we will identify the various parties that are likely to be interested and/or affected. These groups often include interest groups, community groups, local business associations, local residents (to name just a few), as well as the general public.

The consultation policy provides more detail.

How does council consult?

In some cases, legislation is quite prescriptive in terms of the procedure to follow. In other cases, council follows the consultation policy, and the principles and practices of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). This entails the use of any of a number of techniques to elicit as much quality information from as wide a number of people and stakeholders as is practicably possible.

As an example, in 2007, consultation and communication about Auckland City Council's draft annual plan involved media releases, articles in City Scene, a summary of the plan (widely available from council offices, libraries etc), public meetings, key stakeholder meetings, online information and submission forms, public hearings, and displays and presentations at shopping centres. This last exercise was specifically designed to take the information to the public rather than waiting for people to come to us.

Other techniques include site open days and tours, focus groups, quantitative surveys, one-on-one meetings, and even txt messaging.

Different projects will necessitate different levels of consultation, and Auckland City Council identifies the most appropriate level using the consultation policy and the IAP2 spectrum.

How does council act on the results of consultation and what is the public's ability to influence decisions?

We are required to listen to what you have to say and consider your views with an open mind. We then decide if and how the proposal or plan should be changed or developed further, and possibly seek further public input on the revised plan. A challenge that frequently arises is that different members of the public often have conflicting opinions on what we should do.

Public input forms one of the pieces of information we use to make a decision. There may be compelling reasons why the final decision is in conflict with the majority of submissions. In any case, council is required to respond to the people involved in the consultation, and report on what the final decision is, and the reasons for it i.e. closing the feedback loop.

Published April 2009