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Council’s Consultation Process
Perceived Problems with the Consultative Procedure
Informed Decision-making
Good Consultation Practice
Council's Consultation Process
Council’s consultation process is an important part of the South Waikato District’s democratic process. The Council is aware of the legislative need for consultation with its communities but, more importantly, it recognises the importance and value of consultation. To this end, consultation methods will often enable a broader range of people to be involved than that which is strictly required by legislation.
Council is also continuously re-examining its approach toward affected people and finding better methods of communicating.
Public consultation and representation is an important part of increasing Council’s legitimacy towards greater diversity of representation and strategic and operational decision-making. By defining the problem accurately and, through better understanding of the social positioning of the issue and the sector that the issue reflects on, Council effectively reduces the implementation costs, by getting it right first time.
Strategies, facilities and decisions that have involved specific target groups are more likely to be effective, utilised and appreciated. It is “common sense” to include target groups in the decision-making process for any issues that will affect them. Participation will improve the quality of decision-making by increasing available knowledge and ownership of the decision.
The wider community benefits from the positive involvement of individuals and groups in relevant decisions. Social cohesion will result from this involvement and will thus promote an environment of growth and productivity and a feeling of community togetherness. Ultimately, getting the public involved in the decisions taken will improve the sustainability of the District through growth in the number of committed people, growth in organisational knowledge and the development of future leaders and more effective citizens.
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Perceived Problems with the Consultative Procedure
There is sometimes a perception that consultation is "a sham". For a number of reasons, the public sometimes believe that the consultation process carried out by the local authority is not adequate or appropriate. Issues that have come under fire include:
• the local authority is unwilling to listen.
• too little time for presenting submissions.
• lack of feedback about the final decision.
• the vested interest of a Council and its officers.
• different expectations.
• avoiding making a decision.
People are encouraged to express their concerns to staff or politicians involved. Only then can issues be addressed, processes reviewed and improved upon and inconsistencies explained.
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Informed Decision-Making
The most tangible benefit of adequate and appropriate public consultation is that it will help to produce better decisions. Informed policy decisions are more likely to avoid constant review and revision. Projects that are understood and accepted by the community are less likely to face pressure for their revision or removal. Good consultation can produce better, sustainable decisions. Getting it right first time can save time and money.
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Good Consultation Practice
Indicators of good consultation practice are:
• having the right attitude.
• allowing sufficient time.
• being clear.
• identifying all those with an interest.
• providing good feedback.
Acknowledgement: Controller and Auditor-General website
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