Your voice matters: Improving our engagement

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Consultation on our engagement principles has concluded, and we've finalised the principles based on the feedback we received. We're working on the draft framework and action plan and will be back for engagement on those documents later this year.

We’re working on a project to improve how we connect with you and our many communities. Our goal is to make it easier for everyone to share their thoughts and see how their feedback influences Council decisions. We’ve also heard that our current engagement methods don’t always work for everyone—so we’re creating a plan to improve, we will call this our Engagement Framework and Action Plan.

To start, we’ve reviewed past feedback and spent time in the community to understand what we can do better. From these insights, we drafted a set of Engagement Principles to guide our work, then tested these with a group of community members who agreed they set the right direction but mentioned they are ambitious - that's right! These principles reflect our commitment to meaningful engagement, and while ambitious, they set a strong foundation for change. Change won’t happen overnight, but we’re taking the right steps to get there - take a look at 'Our engagement progress' document to learn more.

You can see the endorsed and final Engagement Principles below.

What happens next?

Now that we have the principles finalised, we'll keep working on the Engagement Framework and Action Plan which will set out the details of how we improve the way we engage. During this time, we'll keep talking to groups across the city to make sure we're on track. Once our draft is ready, we'll reach out in different ways to hear your thoughts.

How do I stay updated?

We’ll keep this page updated as the work progresses, so be sure to check back! You can also click the subscribe button under the 'stay informed' section to receive updates.

We’re working on a project to improve how we connect with you and our many communities. Our goal is to make it easier for everyone to share their thoughts and see how their feedback influences Council decisions. We’ve also heard that our current engagement methods don’t always work for everyone—so we’re creating a plan to improve, we will call this our Engagement Framework and Action Plan.

To start, we’ve reviewed past feedback and spent time in the community to understand what we can do better. From these insights, we drafted a set of Engagement Principles to guide our work, then tested these with a group of community members who agreed they set the right direction but mentioned they are ambitious - that's right! These principles reflect our commitment to meaningful engagement, and while ambitious, they set a strong foundation for change. Change won’t happen overnight, but we’re taking the right steps to get there - take a look at 'Our engagement progress' document to learn more.

You can see the endorsed and final Engagement Principles below.

What happens next?

Now that we have the principles finalised, we'll keep working on the Engagement Framework and Action Plan which will set out the details of how we improve the way we engage. During this time, we'll keep talking to groups across the city to make sure we're on track. Once our draft is ready, we'll reach out in different ways to hear your thoughts.

How do I stay updated?

We’ll keep this page updated as the work progresses, so be sure to check back! You can also click the subscribe button under the 'stay informed' section to receive updates.

Consultation on our engagement principles has concluded, and we've finalised the principles based on the feedback we received. We're working on the draft framework and action plan and will be back for engagement on those documents later this year.

  • The Engagement Principles

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    We will…

    Engage when it counts, in ways that work for you

    We’ll share clear, early updates about Council work you can help shape and offer a range of ways to have your say — so you can decide what matters and how you’d like to take part.

    Be inclusive and accessible

    We want to hear from everyone in Lower Hutt, especially people who haven't been heard before or have struggled with Council processes. We will listen at times and places that work for you.

    Be responsible partners under Te Tiriti

    We recognise the unique role that Mana Whenua play and are committed to engaging with Mana Whenua and hapori Māori in good faith, upholding tikanga and our commitment to Te Tiriti.

    Engage genuinely with clear intentions

    We’ll be clear about why we are asking for your input and what influence you have in each decision. We will listen, make room for new ideas, and be upfront when we need to change direction and why.

    Be clear about the impact of your feedback

    We’ll share what we heard and how it shaped our decisions — focusing on key themes and insights. When feedback is not used, we will explain why.

    These principles were endorsed by the Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee on 6 May 2025.