Using this site

Project Pages

Each project page is designed to provide an overview of the project at the top left and more information on the far right or if you scroll down the page.

Engagement tools

Each project will use one or more of our engagement tools. Some will tools require you to register on the site before using, others let you be anonymous and engage without logging in. These tools are designed to be hassle free and easy to use:

We use Feedback Forms and online Surveys to help us to gather information, local knowledge, community views and opinions. It’s an easy way for you to contribute your ideas and thoughts. We also use these for Formal Submissions.
Quick Polls are exactly that - a quick snapshot in time to measure the 'community pulse' on a specific topic or project.
Maps let you drop a pin and add a comment about a particular place.
The Ideas tool lets you use 'virtual' post-it notes to add your ideas to an online discussion board. People can also 'like' and comment on ides they care most about.
The Discussion Forum allows you to discuss and share your views with the community and the Council. They are great for open and honest discussion and debate.
The Q&A allows us to respond to any questions or comments raised by you either privately or publicly. This also allows us to track your issues throughout the consultation to keep an eye on your concerns.
Stories is a space where you can share your long form stories, ideas and express yourself.

What's the difference between a formal submission and a survey?

It is policy that a formal submission is required for some specific projects or decisions, or to fulfil a legislative requirement. These are usually for strategic decisions (e.g. Annual Plan consultation). A formal submission requires the contact name and address of respondents, which becomes public information and is provided to the Council for consideration.

What are the advantages of engaging online?

Engaging online allows you to have your say in the Council’s decision making process in your own time and comfort of your own home.

You don't have to attend community meetings at a set place and time, you can contribute at a time and place that suits you.
It is a quick, safe and convenient way to have your say on a range of issues and topics.
It is a great way to keep up to date and contribute your views on issues affecting your community.
You can see what other community members think about an issue or topic, respond with your own views and engage in a discussion.
It allows for a range of different people, with different views to discuss matters that impact their community.

Why do I need to register to participate?

Registering is quick and simple and you only need to do it once. It helps you as you stay connected and informed on projects that interest you. It let's you access all your past submissions and everything you've told us.

It allows Council to get to better understand who we are engaging with. It also helps make sure discussions and results are not manipulated by someone leaving multiple comments to support their own position. Your personal details will not appear online. If you participate, only a personalised user name, which you create, will appear along with your thoughts.

Will my privacy be protected?

Yes. Your privacy is protected as Let’s Talk Waitaki is hosted and moderated by an external independent service provider - Engagement HQ - Bang the Table. No third parties have access to or will be provided with your details

What happens to my feedback?

All comments, ideas and suggestions are collated and used by the relevant project officer to inform the development of strategies, programs and activities, or to gain an insight into community views and opinions.

Often, feedback provided online is used in conjunction with other face-to-face consultation activities such as workshops, meetings, open days or surveys.

When each consultation closes, all contributions are compiled into a report, which will be presented to Council when considering the particular matter.

All feedback provided during consultation will be considered, however this does not mean that every suggestion can be taken on board and adopted as proposed.

This all seems familiar - have I been here before?

You might have! We used part of this engagement platform to help us consult on our draft District Plan in 2022.

If you submitted on the draft District Plan, you may already have an account and login details attached to your email. If you can't remember your password, just click 'forgot my password' and follow the prompts to reset. You can then check if your profile information is up to date.

It's great to see you again!

I have tried to register, but my email address has already been taken? How is this possible?

There are a couple of possibilities:

Someone else in your family has used your email address to establish an account in the past
You have used this site before and forgotten your sign-in details. If this is the case, see the question below, 'I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?'

I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?

Don't worry, we all do it. We've tried to make this process as simple as possible:

Step 1: Click the "Login" link on the top right of the screen.
Step 2: Click the "Forgotten password" link under the "Sign in" button.
Step 3: Type in your email address and click "Enter". You will then receive an email with your Username and a link back to the site. Click on that link to reset your password.
Step 4: Sign in with your old username and new password.

I signed up, but didn't receive the activation email. What should I do?

There are a few reasons this might have happened:

The email may have gone into your "Spam email" folder. Check there first. Your email service provider may have a very strong firewall that is blocking the activation email. This happens occasionally. Contact your service provider.

You may have typed your email address incorrectly - it's very easy to inadvertently use a comma instead of a full-stop if you're in a rush. An accidental full stop or underscore can make all the difference.

How can I edit my profile?

Log into your account on the Let’s Talk Waitaki site.
Once you're logged in you'll see your Username above the Homepage banner in the top right-hand corner.
Click on the drop-down arrow, which brings up a menu
Click "Profile" and make any updates.

Who can I contact about Let’s Talk Waitaki?

If you have any questions/feedback about the content of the website or consultations you can either:

Email letstalk@waitaki.govt.nz
Get in touch with our customer service team on 03 433 0300.
Or contact the staff listed on a project page if there's a 'Who's listening' section.

How is this site moderated?

Site moderation is conducted by the web platform provider Engagement HQ - Bang the Table. The moderators do not edit or alter any comments, and will only remove comments deemed to be offensive or malicious, in which case they are removed from the site immediately. Any participant that has a comment removed will be notified and the reasons explained. Please be respectful of the opinions of others.

For further information take a look at the Forum Etiquette & Moderation page.