Meetings

We make time at the start of every meeting for people to speak to the Council or Committee. Hearing from our community helps the Council so don’t be whakamā (shy). 

There are different ways for you to be involved in meetings. At Council, you can speak about any item you wish. At Committee meetings, the topic you wish to speak on must fall within that Committee's area of responsibility.

You need to arrange this at least one working day before the meeting by emailing the Democratic Services Team , or call us on (04) 237 5089.

Council meeting location

Council and Committee meetings are held in the Wharekōrero Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, Administration Building, 16 Cobham Court, Porirua.

Speaking remotely

You are welcome to speak to the meeting remotely via Zoom. If you wish to participate via Zoom, please let Democratic Services Team know as soon as possible.

After your public forum participation time is over, you can continue to watch the meeting on our YouTube Page.

We’ll let the public know where and when scheduled meetings will be held by advertising in the local newspapers and on our Council Facebook Page.

If needed, extraordinary meetings may be called. These meetings are advertised in the local newspaper as soon as possible.

You can also ask to go on our Meeting Alerts system to receive an email informing you when the next meeting is being held with links to the meeting documents. Just email [email protected] with your name and email address. We won't use your details for any other purpose.

Meetings use the following documents to ensure the smooth running of decision-making:

• Code of Conduct: Elected members’ behaviour at meetings is governed by their Code of Conduct.
• Standing Orders: Meetings must also follow the current  rules for conducting Council meetings and making decisions. The Council can temporarily suspend any standing order by a vote of 75 percent of the members present.
• Council and Committee agendas are public documents (except for parts withheld for privacy or public safety reasons). Minutes of meetings are kept and made available to the public.

Meetings use the following pieces of legislations:

• Local Government Act 2002
• Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987

The Mayor presides over Council meetings, while a Committee Chairperson presides over a Committee meeting and make sure that they act within the powers Council has given them.

Members of the public can make a complaint to the Ombudsman regarding the administration of meetings at Porirua City. More information on this process can be found on the Ombudsman’s website.

We hold regular workshops for elected members to learn about and discuss issues in a less structured environment than a formal meeting. No decisions are made at workshops. Although the public isn't notified about these workshops, you can request the workshop presentations under Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

Members of the public can make a complaint to the Ombudsman regarding the administration of workshops at Porirua City. More information on this process can be found on the Ombudsman’s website.