Have your say on policies to guide how NPDC and Wai Hononga engage with the community

NPDC and Wai Hononga Water Services Limited are inviting public feedback on draft Significance and Engagement policies that set out how each organisation will consider community views when making important decisions.

These policies set out when the community can expect to be involved in decisions that affect them.

They also guide Council and Wai Hononga Water Services on when to seek feedback and how to engage with residents in a meaningful way. 

NPDC has reviewed and updated its existing policy to make the process simpler, more transparent and easier to understand.

The proposed changes provide clearer guidance on when the public can expect to have input, strengthen recognition of community and mana whenua interests, and support more accessible and inclusive ways for people to take part.

“We want to make sure people have a genuine opportunity to be involved in decisions that matter to them which is why these policies are so important,” says NPDC Manager Strategic Planning, Renee Davies.

 “We want to hear from people about whether we've got that balance right, so encourage everyone to take a look and let us know what they think."

This is the first Significance and Engagement Policy for Wai Hononga Water Services, NPDC’s Council-Controlled Organisation that will deliver drinking water and wastewater services for the district from 1 July 2027.

The policy outlines how Wai Hononga will involve communities, customers, mana whenua and stakeholders in significant decisions affecting water services.

“It's important that we are clear from the outset about how we will engage with our communities and customers on significant decisions,” says Wai Hononga’s Strategic and Te Tiriti Partnership Director, Mark Hall.

“This policy sets out what people can expect from us and how their views will be considered. It will help guide how we engage on future water services strategies and other significant decisions. We encourage people to have their say and help shape our approach from the start.”

People who want to ask questions about either policy before making a submission can attend one of two drop-in sessions:

• Wednesday 16 September 
  5.30 pm – 6.30 pm 
  Plymouth Room, NPDC Civic Centre, 84 Liardet Street, New Plymouth.
   
• Tuesday 22 September 
  10.30 am – 11.30 am 
  Boardroom at Waitara Library, 15a Queen Street, Waitara.
  
  

To find out more and have your, visit npdc.govt.nz/haveyoursay. Feedback on both policies close 30 September.

At a glance:

• Councils are required to have a Significance and Engagement Policy under the Local Government Act, while Wai Hononga is required to have one under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025.
• The policy explains when the community can have a say.
• It guides how Council and Wai Hononga Water Services engage with people
• More significant decisions generally require greater community involvement
• The policy helps make decision-making transparent and consistent.
• Community feedback plays an important role in shaping outcomes.