consultations.org.nz is live. After a three week gestation period, the site was ready for release, debuting with two Wellington City Council consultations.

The site provides council consultations in HTML format. Although this is required under the New Zealand Government Web Standards, it is not always possible due to resource constraints within Councils. Most importantly, consultations.org.nz allows members of the public to express their opinions regarding the consultations online.

Ultimately the site aims to be a catalyst for getting more people involved in determining Council Policy in their city or district by encouraging participation in the consultation process.

What to expect in coming weeks

Many new consultations will be added over the coming months covering all regions in New Zealand, from Kaikohe, to the Chatham Islands, to Stewart Island.

A new design is being developed that will make the site much clearer and easier to read. It will feature many usability and accessibility enhancements over the existing site.