Introduction

1.1 The Context

The Local Government Act 2002 is a result of a substantive review of local government’s historical practices and policies under previous legislation. The Act encourages local authorities to consider their role in “promoting the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future”. This consideration is embedded within a framework of “democratic and effective local government”. Recognising that for many local authorities this will require a degree of re-orientation, the Act outlines key responsibilities for local authorities to consult and involve their communities in their decision making.

The purpose of the Act in outlining these responsibilities is to promote a greater level of community participation in local government decision making and increase the accountability of local authorities to their communities. Consultation is identified within the Act as a key tool for providing the community with an opportunity to participate in local government decision making.

Within this context, consultation is seen to have a critical role in the effectiveness of local authorities to meet the expectations of the Local Government Act 2002 and the future needs of their communities.

1.2 The Purpose of this Consultation Policy

While there is a legislative requirement within the Local Government Act 2002 for Local Authorities to maintain a minimum level of consultation compliance; this policy represents the Council’s commitment to ensuring they acknowledge and attend to the diversity within the district.

The Council has always had an ongoing commitment to ensuring it is aware of the diverse community opinions existing around topical issues. The Council recognises, however, that the Local Government Act requires councils to go beyond consultation on specific issues and begin to look to the changing needs and expectations of the community for the future.

Underpinning this document is an appreciation of the importance of consultation for effective and comprehensive decision making. Consultation with communities improves both decision making and policy development. Consultation helps to raise community awareness of issues and the activities the Council is involved in, along with the issues that Council may partner in with other organisations. Consultation also helps strengthen the relationships between the Council, the community and other community focused agencies.

This policy provides a framework for community consultation which will assist in guiding Council decision making. While this policy outlines best practice and key principles to be considered when consulting, the Council will at times, wish to engage with the community in ways that do not require the formal process outlined here.

1.3 Te Tiriti O Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi is considered the founding document in outlining the relationship between Maori as tangata whenua of New Zealand and agents representing the interests of the Crown.

The Local Government Act 2002 has clear guidelines for Local Authority’s to involve Maori in decision making; however, it also highlights the importance of consultation processes appropriate to Maori.

Recognition of the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi within this consultation policy acknowledges the Council’s appreciation of biculturalism as an issue and the uniqueness of Maori culture.