What are special consultative procedures?
Special consultative procedures happen when we review or make new bylaws, policies or carry out other consultative processes.
The panel can be made up of:
- elected representatives
- Independent Maori Statutory Board members
- independent commissioners.
Having your say on bylaws and policies
We hold Have Your Say (HYS) events that the public can attend.
A deliberation panel made up of elected members and Independent Maori Statutory Board members will be at the HYS event to hear your feedback.
Once the HYS events close:
- the council reviews all feedback and publishes a summary report on this website and provides it to the deliberation panel
- deliberations are held at a council venue and everyone is welcome to attend but you will not have any speaking rights during the deliberation process
- the panel will make a recommendation to the Governing Body, committee, or local board.
See Topics you can have your say on for more information about ways to have your say in this process.
Having your say on other special consultative procedures
From time to time, a special consultative procedure on matters other than a bylaw or policy may take place. A hearing may be held in these circumstances.
You must be given at least two clear working days’ notice of a hearing. We will try to provide you with as much notice as possible of the hearing.
Approximately one week before a hearing, we will let you know your approximate speaking time at the hearing.
What happens at a special consultative procedure hearing
At the start of a special consultative procedure hearing, the chairperson will introduce the panel and council staff and will outline the procedure for the hearing.
You will be called to speak in the order on the agenda. You may be represented by legal counsel or consultants. You may call witnesses.
Members of the hearing panel can ask questions about submissions or evidence. You can suggest questions for the panel to ask, but the panel does not have to ask them.
Late submissions
If you made your submission after the closing date, the panel may ask you to explain why they should accept your late submission.
If the panel accepts your reasons, you will be able to speak in support of your submission.
Deliberations
Following the presentation of all the evidence, the panel may deliberate in public or choose to deliberate in private.
If the panel deliberate in public, you do not have any speaking rights during the deliberation process, but you can stay and observe the discussion.
Decision
The panel will then make a recommendation to the governing body, committee, or local board.
We will send a copy of the decision to you and everyone else who made a submission.
