The primary purpose of consultation is to enable the local authority ad its community to exchange information of decisions and issues of concern.  Consultation involves seeking counsel or advice: it is a two way process of exchanging information.

The Local Government Act sets out certain consultation principles and a special consultative procedure that local authorities must follow when making certain decisions.  The council can and does consult outside of the special consultative procedure. 

Every local authority must have specific policies in place to consult with Maori.

When it is adopting its Long Term Council Community Plan, Annual Plan, or District Plan it will hold formal meetings with community groups and other interested parties.  At these meetings the council will seek views on the matters it considers important and identify issues of concern to the community.

For more information, you can contact Wairoa District Council Offices on (06) 838 7309.