Significance and Engagement Policy
About the Significance and Engagement Policy
Waikato Regional Council adopted its Significance and Engagement Policy in 2014. The policy is reviewed every three years to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002.
The policy provides a framework for deciding when and how the council engages with communities on important decisions, as required by section 76AA of the Act.
What the policy does
The policy guides the council in deciding the appropriate level of community engagement for different types of decisions.
It helps the council and communities understand how the significance of an issue, proposal, asset, decision or level of service is assessed. It also explains when communities can expect to be engaged or formally consulted.
The policy sets out:
- the council’s approach to determining significance
- the criteria and process used to assess issues and proposals
- how the council responds to community preferences for engagement
- how the council engages with communities.
The 2026 review
The policy is now up for review and the council is proposing some minor changes, outlined below:
| Proposed change(s) | Reason for change | Section of the policy |
| We are proposing to change Resource Management Act 1991 to read resource management legislation. | Central government is doing extensive work in reviewing legislation, to futureproof the policy for any future changes. | Purpose and scope |
| Removing this definition and instead including a revised criteria for consideration, based on level of service. | Significant activities are not defined in legislation. We see more usefulness in considering how our levels of service may be impacted by a decision. | Definitions |
|
Adding clarity to the decision-making process Elected Members use when applying the Policy. |
Assessment of significance |
|
We have added extra information to the guide in the types of issues and tools sections. |
To provide better examples of how the policy is used. |
Schedule 2 | Community engagement guide. |
We are seeking your feedback
Waikato Regional Council is seeking input from the community about the changes we are proposing. Please fill in the form below with your thoughts on these proposed changes.
Key dates
Consultation opens - Monday, 12 October
Consultation closes - Friday, 13 November
Waikato Regional Council meeting information
WRC Strategy and Policy Committee – 17 September 2026 - Agenda
- Council Paper pages 140-154
- Approval to consult and draft reviewed Policy.
What happens next?
After consultation closes, we will look at all feedback received through the online survey and other written submissions. We will identify common themes, areas of support, concerns and any suggested changes. AI will be used in the analysis of survey results. Written submissions are public information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and may be made publicly available, including on Waikato Regional Council’s website. Personal contact details will not be published.
Your feedback will help councillors decide whether to make changes to the Significance and Engagement Policy.