The Council publicly consults on a variety of issues every year. Find out more about the current consultations and have your say in the future of your community.
You are welcome to contact the Council at any time with comments on any issue, whether they are part of a formal consultation or not.
To view items Council is currently consulting on, to find out information about a topic, and to make a submission, please select a topic from the navigation list on the left of this page.
Anyone can make a written submission about a proposed plan, plan change or variation that has been publicly notified if they think it will affect them in some way.
This submission in support or opposition to the proposed change must be done within the specified time limit.
Anyone can make a further submission on a proposed plan, plan change or variation but this can only SUPPORT or OPPOSE a submission included in the summary of submissions. New issues cannot be raised.
A decision can be appealed but only by those who have made a submission or further submission.
See also the Ministry for the Environment section on Making a submission.
Making submissions effective
Make sure you’re well-informed and that you understand the proposed plan, plan change or variation. Ask the council for help if required.
To write a clear and effective submission, please:
- stick to the facts
- focus on the environmental effects
- tell the council what you want - don't leave them to guess
- write in clear, simple, everyday language.
You can address Council personally at most Council and committee meetings through:
- a deputation
- a petition
- a public forum
- the provisions for tangata whenua.
Every six weeks, a public forum is held at 11.45 am as part of the Policy & Consultation Committee meeting. Sometimes meetings run longer than expected so no right to speak can be guaranteed after 12.45 pm. This public forum is advertised in The Gisborne Herald the Saturday beforehand.
Do I need to notify Council?
Please contact Customer Services if you wish to speak at a public forum or under any of the other headings.
See also FAQ about Council meetings
Post to: Mayor Meng Foon, Gisborne District Council, PO Box 747, Gisborne
Email: mayor@gdc.govt.nz
Deliver to: Gisborne District Council, Administrative Centre, Fitzherbert St, Gisborne