Making a deputation gives you, or your organisation, an opportunity to bring matters to the attention of the Mayor and Councillors concerning the Whanganui District.
How to register
Your must lodge your request to address the Council, and your agenda item or topic of interest, with us by 4.00pm on the Monday the week prior to the meeting. You can make your request via one of the following methods, and a staff member will contact you.
Register online
- Phone 06 349 0001
- Email democracy@whanganui.govt.nz
- Post to Whanganui District Council, PO Box 637, Whanganui 4540
- In person to 101 Guyton Street, Whanganui during opening hours (Monday–Friday, 8.00am–5.00pm)
Please include the following information in your registration:
- your name, address and contact details
- the name of the organisation and the nominated speaker appearing for that organisation (if you are representing an organisation or group)
- a brief summary of the topic that you would like to speak about
- details of any notes, photographs or other documentation that that you wish to use during your address or presentation (copies are required for Council's records).
How it works
Council meetings are generally held on a Tuesday every seven weeks in the Council Chamber at 101 Guyton Street, starting at 9.30am. Deputations are generally scheduled at the start of the meeting
No more than two people may speak on behalf of a deputation; each speaker may speak for up to five minutes.
The forum is not a time for debate and no formal decisions can be made. However, our elected members may ask you questions for clarification. If necessary, the matter may be referred to a future council or committee meeting for further consideration.
Copies of notes, photographs or other documentation used during your address will be required for Council's records. Anything you say, including personal information such as your name, will be available to the public and media, and your presentation will be recorded on digital video as part of the live streaming of the Council's meeting.
Criticism of individual elected members or individual staff members is not allowed.
All requests are subject to the approval of the Mayor. The Mayor may refuse applications that are:
- Repetitious
- Vexatious
- Offensive
- Does not relate to matters that fall within the responsibility of the Council
- Where the Council could not be reasonably expected to lobby on behalf of residents; or
- Where the deputation has an alternative ways of expressing their views through formal channels.
The Mayor may stop a speaker in progress where the subject matter is disrespectful or offensive.