There's an opportunity for you to speak at the start of each council meeting.
At the start of each meeting there is generally up to 30 minutes set aside for public comment. Each member of the public can speak for up to three minutes. If there are lots of speakers the chair can reduce the amount of time for each speaker or ask one or two members of the public to represent a group of speakers on the same subject.
Time limits can sometimes be extended if 75% of the members present agree. There is no public comment time at hearings.
What topics can you comment on?
In general, you can talk about any item on the agenda. At a community board or community committee meeting, you can speak about any issue if 75% of the members present agree.
What to do if you’d like to comment
Before any meeting begins, the committee advisor will ask members of the public in the public gallery if they’d like to make a comment on any item on the agenda. If you say 'yes', the committee advisor will ask your name and the subject you’d like to comment on.
What happens at the meeting?
When your name is read out by the chair, take a seat at the meeting table. Introduce yourself and tell the meeting if you are representing an organisation or group. Use your speaking time effectively.
After your comment, members can ask you questions on the issues you’ve raised. The chair can stop you speaking if you are disrespectful or offensive, or if the chair believes you have made a malicious statement.
A brief summary of your comments will be included in the meeting minutes. To help with this, the committee advisor may ask you for a copy of any written notes you have.
Further information
For more information, contact Susan Turner, Senior Committee Advisor, email susan.turner@huttcity.govt.nz or phone 04 570 6857.