Speak at a local board meeting during a public forum
Every local board meeting allows 30 minutes for a public forum. This is when you can speak to your elected members about your views on a topic. Each speaker can speak for up to three minutes.
The topic you talk about must be related to the roles and responsibilities of the local board.
You do not need approval from the chairperson to speak at a public forum, but the chairperson can:
- direct a speaker to a different committee
- stop a speaker from speaking if they are:
- offensive
- repetitive
- in breach of the relevant local board's standing orders.
Issues are not resolved in a public forum, except to refer matters to:
- a future meeting
- another committee
- relevant staff to investigate.
Speak at a local board meeting through a deputation
A deputation is a formal presentation where you or a small group of people can speak on behalf of others about topics related to the roles and responsibilities of the local board.
Each speaker can present for up to 10 minutes.
You can talk about issues facing you or your community group, or give updates about your group's activities.
A speaker cannot speak about a matter that:
- has already been considered and decided
- has a separate public hearings or consultation process attached to it.
Issues are not resolved during a deputation, except to refer matters to:
- a future meeting
- another committee
- relevant staff to investigate.
How to prepare for a deputation
Check the timing and agenda of the local board meeting and allow plenty of time to prepare.
Email the democracy advisor at the local board with your request to speak and any supporting information at least seven working days before the meeting.
Contact details for the advisor are on front page of local board agendas.
The chairperson can refuse your request if:
- it does not follow local board standing orders
- there is not enough time to receive the deputation
- there is a more appropriate committee or person to receive the deputation
- it is offensive or repetitive.
Review a copy of the local board's agenda before appearing at a meeting.
How to present a deputation at a local board meeting
Be clear, concise and allow time for questions from the board within your 10-minute presentation slot. Up to two people can present a deputation. You can bring supporters, but they cannot take part in the deputation.
The chairperson can end your deputation if it is disrespectful, offensive or if your statements are malicious.
You can present in te reo Māori or New Zealand Sign Language, but you must let the local board know at least two working days before the meeting.
Standing orders for local boards
Standing orders are a list of conduct and procedure rules at local board meetings. We use them to help the meetings run smoothly and to help elected members and members of the public understand how they can take part in the meeting.
Each local board has its own standing orders.
