Feedback on the draft Engagement Principles

Thank you for your feedback on the draft engagement principles.

Graph of engagement results

First impressions of the principles show over 70% of responders thought they were at least on the right track, with 37.2% saying they didn't need any changes.

Since a majority said they had at least a couple suggestions, we went through your comments and made some tweaks.

What we heard	Our response
Feedback asked for clarity on "engaging well", and questioned how Council would determine what mattered and who was most affected.	We amended the wording to make it clear that we'll engage well by sharing early updates on work that your feedback can help shape, and the different ways you can give that feedback. This also means that you will be able to see and decide for yourself what matters and affects you.
Some thought we were committing to individual responses to feedback. Following this interpretation was a concern this would be too resource and time intensive.	We amended the wording to clarify that we will focus on the key themes and insights of feedback, and share that. This table is a great example of what that looks like!
Feedback showed a negative interpretation of the wording "hidden agendas". Some interpreted this as an admission of this happening, which was not intended.	We amended the wording to be more positive, that we will engage genuinely and with clear intentions.
Feedback questioning the ordering of the principles, and whether that indicated priority or importance.	We re-ordered the principles to align more clearly to the stages of engagement, so the first is about informing on upcoming engagements and the last is about reporting back. We hope this makes it clear that the principles are not ranked in priority or importance.
Feedback concerned that the commitment to engaging with Mana Whenua could be undemocratic or inequitable.	We amended the wording to acknowledge the unique role that Mana Whenua have under Te Tiriti. One of our other principles makes clear that we aim to hear from everyone in our city, which we would hope would address concerns around inequity.
Feedback that you want more details on how these principles will be achieved.	The principles will inform the work to come on the Engagement Framework and Action plan, which will include that level of detail. We will keep you updated on progress, and there will be further opportunities to provide feedback.