There are lots of ways to share ideas, raise concerns, or support something the Council is working on. You can take part in a way that suits you, whether that’s a quick message, a formal submission, or speaking at a meeting.
Here are the main options and how they work.
When Council is making big decisions (like Long-term plans, bylaws, or major projects), we often run a public consultation. That’s your chance to tell us what you think before decisions are made.
How to do it
- Go to our Have your say page to see what’s open right now.
- Most consultations have an online form you can fill in.
- You can also usually send feedback by email or post if you prefer (details are on each consultation page).
Tip: You can support, oppose, or suggest changes. All feedback is useful.
Note: All submissions are published on our website, so please don’t include any private details in your submission.
You’re welcome to speak directly to elected members at meetings. This can be a good option if you want to explain something in person.
There are a few types of speaking slots:
- Public comment: up to 3 minutes to speak on an agenda item or something related to that committee.
- Public presentation: up to 10 minutes for a bigger topic. You need to request this in advance.
- Petition: if you’re presenting a petition (see below), you also get up to 10 minutes.
If you wish to speak at a meeting, please contact our Governance team on governance@pncc.govt.nz or phone 06 356 8199.
Note: All meetings are livestreamed on YouTube. If you provide us with a slideshow or other presentation, this too will be published on our website.
Learn more about speaking at a Council or Coummittee meeting
A petition is a formal way to show that a group of people want Council to take action.
Although the outcome of a petition may not always be what was requested, Council will consider each petition in good faith.
You can send your petition to our Governance team by:
- emailing governance@pncc.govt.nz
- posting it to Private Bag 11034, Manawatū Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442
- dropping it off at our Customer Service Centre at 32 The Square
Petition rules
- Must have at least 20 signatures (if it's an online petition, an email address can replace the signature).
- The petition text must be 150 words or fewer (signatures don’t count).
- Each signature needs a full name and address, including one's suburb.
- Can be written in English or te reo Māori and must be respectful (any disrespectful content may be rejected).
- It should also explain briefly why the request is being made.
You will be given an opportunity to present your petition in person to Council or a Committee in a meeting, but you’ll need to request this in advance. Please contact our Governance team on governance@pncc.govt.nz or phone 06 356 8199.
What is a petition, and what can it achieve?
A petition is a way to ask the Council to consider an issue that matters to you or your community.
Petitions can help:
- raise awareness about an issue
- ask the Council to consider a change
- influence decisions or services
- suggest solutions
- seek a response to a community concern
Who can start a petition?
Anyone can start a petition. There is no age limit.
Petitions can be started by individuals, businesses, or community groups. If the petition is on behalf of a business or group, it must include the signature of an authorised representative.
The person who starts the petition will be the main contact for the Council.
What happens to my information if I sign a petition?
When a petition is presented at a Council meeting, it becomes public information.
The meeting agenda will include the name of:
- the petition organiser
- the person presenting the petition (if different)
When and how do I present a petition?
Petitions must be sent to us at least 7 working days before the Council or Committee meeting where they will be presented.
One or two people may present the petition to the Council or a committee and will usually have up to 10 minutes to speak (excluding questions).
If you plan to present in te reo Māori or New Zealand Sign Language, please let us know at least 3 working days before the meeting so interpretation services can be arranged.
If you want to raise an issue, share an idea, or ask for help, you can contact your elected members anytime.
How to do it
- Find contact details for the Mayor and Councillors on our Elected Members page.
- Email or call them, whatever you’re comfortable with.
Find out more about the Elected Members
For some projects, we hold drop-in sessions. These are informal. You can come along, ask questions, and share thoughts one-on-one. You’ll find all the details of these on our consultation webpages.
You can give feedback anytime (quick and informal)
Not everything needs a formal process. You can contact us anytime about services, problems, or ideas for improvement.
Contact us
If you’re unsure who to talk to, our customer team will point you in the right direction.