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Why does the ARC want to hear from you?

The Auckland Regional Council makes decisions on your behalf. Public involvement and feedback helps us to make well-informed decisions which consider the best interests of your community and our region.

In 2002, the Local Government Act (LGA 2002) outlined a more consultative way of working for local councils and set out this new purpose for the ARC:

1. To enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; and

2. To promote the social economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities, in the present and for the future

To achieve this, the ARC developed a Community Consultation Policy ‘Engage, Participate, Influence'. The Policy includes information on what we mean by consultation, how it links to political decision-making, the principles we use when we consult, and a consultation planning checklist. The ARC uses community consultation tools and techniques. Effective consultation is about two-way communication, sharing information and involving the community and key stakeholders in a decision making process. Its key benefits are:

  • to improve or enhance what the ARC delivers based on more informed decisions
  • to build genuine relationships with organisations, communities and people in the Auckland region.

What is consultation?

The ARC sees consultation as an ongoing process of stakeholder engagement and participation. We aim to provide opportunities for people who are affected by or interested in a Council decision, to participate in the process to enhance the resulting decision, planning or policy project. Your involvement is always voluntary.

The significance and nature of the decision to be made influences what we consult on, what methods we use, who we involve, and how and when we seek to involve them.

There are many different methods and techniques to inform people about a project and help them to become involved. These include open days, workshops, meetings, setting up reference groups, online questionnaires, displays, surveys.

Each project and decision is unique. We develop an individual plan for engaging with the public for each project, using different methods to seek your feedback.


How does the ARC use your comments and feedback?

In consulting with the public, the ARC makes a commitment to value community views and use them to inform decision making.

Community input is important at all stages of a project, from the early planning and development of ideas, to helping to inform the final decision. Consultation may take place a number of times within a single decision-making process.

Examples:

1. In the early stages of a project, we may set up community events to gather ideas and improve our understanding of the issue. Involving the community at the early stages of a project is essential to help make sure that the ARC:

  • is asking the right questions
  • know what issues are concerning you
  • know what issues are important to you
  • gathers local knowledge, experience and expertise
  • continues forward in the best way.

2. Before a final decision can be made, we consult with the public on ‘draft' designs, policies or proposals using more formal consultation processes, such as written submissions and Council-based hearings. Submissions received on draft consultations are presented to the ARC's Councillors as part of their final deliberations.

Your comments are one of many information sources that the Council must consider when making a decision.

The Council must also consider technical information and research, legislation, expert opinion and Council policy alongside the views of the community, businesses, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations.

The Council may be presented with conflicting points of view or information, and must weigh-up all opinions and facts when making a decision.

Continue to Current consultations and submissions