Make a submission to council

Councils at times ask the community for submissions on big council decisions like new policies, bylaws and plans as well as changes to the District Plan.

There are zillions of things which come up and need submissions from a policy on how to deal with graffiti problems to an earthquake emergency plan to dealing with pollution at your beaches.

How do I find out what my council is asking for submissions on?

Check out your council’s website (most councils have them) and see what’s on the submission menu. If your local council has a youth council, making submissions to council is usually a part of their deal as well.

Contact your youth council for information on what submissions they are making and what other documents are coming up which will directly affect young people in your community.

What’s the process?
Usually there is a draft document for you check out and then write a submission on. In your submission tell the council what you agree or disagree with and what you think should change or stay. When the council has looked at and thought about all the submissions, they will come up with the final decisions in a final document.
Some council websites have a space where you can make online submissions and most will tell you what things they are looking for submissions on and how you need to put in your submission (like is there a special form to do and the date it is due).

For more information 

  • Check out your council’s website and see what’s on the submission menu.
  •  Also check out the Aotearoa Youth Voices Guide to writing a submission  to parliament. While it is about writing to parliament and not a local council, you can use it to help you think about research and your layout.


Top of page

newzealand.govt.nz - connecting you to New Zealand central and local government services    Access keys    Conditions of use    Feedback