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Local Government Act 2002

Planning, decision-making, and accountability - Planning and decision-making - Decision-making

78: Community views in relation to decisions

You could also call this:

“Local councils must listen to what people think before making decisions”

When you make decisions, you need to think about what other people think and feel. This is especially important for people who might be affected by your decision or who care a lot about it. You don’t have to ask everyone what they think, but you should consider their views.

You don’t have to set up a special way to ask people what they think just because of this rule. But remember, there’s another rule (section 79) that might change how this one works.

This rule is for local authorities, which are groups that make decisions for your local area. They need to think about what the community wants when they’re making choices that affect people.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM172321.

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Part 6 Planning, decision-making, and accountability
Planning and decision-making: Decision-making

78Community views in relation to decisions

  1. A local authority must, in the course of its decision-making process in relation to a matter, give consideration to the views and preferences of persons likely to be affected by, or to have an interest in, the matter.

  2. Repealed

  3. A local authority is not required by this section alone to undertake any consultation process or procedure.

  4. This section is subject to section 79.

Notes
  • Section 78(2): repealed, on , by section 9 of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 124).