Help and guidance on using Let's Talk

If there is a tab called more, click on the arrow pointing down, more options will appear where you can view further material.

Do I need to register to participate?

In some cases, we ask you to register to participate. Registering is quick and simple. It helps us because we get to better understand who we are engaging with, and it also ensures discussions and results are not manipulated by someone leaving multiple comments to support their own position. If you participate, only a personalised username which you create will appear along with your thoughts. We advise if you do want to remain anonymous that you do not use your name as a username.

Please note some fields in the registration form are mandatory and we have provided an explanation under each request.

How is this site moderated?

Site moderation will be conducted by the web platform provider Bang the Table. The moderators do not edit or alter any comments and will only remove comments deemed to be offensive or malicious, in which case they are removed from the site immediately. Any participant that has a comment removed will be notified and the reasons explained.

We understand that we can be quite passionate when we have your say. But please be nice and respect others right to voice their opinion, even if you don’t quite agree with it.

For further information we suggest you refer to how and what Bang the Table moderates.

What happens with my feedback?

Your feedback is collated along with other comments, ideas and suggestions and is used to inform Council decisions. Online data is used alongside face-to-face consultation activities such as workshops, focus groups and listening posts.

Most often, once all of this information is collated, Council staff will write a summary report which will be required and considered by elected members. Have a look at each project page to find out what their timeline is and find out when their report is due with elected members.

Will I remain anonymous if I participate?

Yes! Your privacy is totally protected because the Kōrero Mai is hosted and moderated by an external independent organisation, Bang the Table.

No third parties have access to or will be provided with your details. For further information, refer to the privacy policy.

I have tried to register, but my email address has already been taken. How is this possible?

There are a couple of possibilities:

• Someone else in your family has used your email address to establish an account in the past;
• You have used this site before and forgotten; in which case see question: I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?

I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?

• Step 1: Click the "login" link on the top right of the screen.
• Step 2: Click the "forgotten password" link under the "sign in" button.
• Step 3: Type in your email address and click enter. You will then receive an email from us with your Username and a link back to the site. Click on that link to reset your password.
• Step 4: Sign in with your old username and new password.

How can I edit my profile?

• Log into your account on the Kōrero Mai/Let’s Talk Wellingon site.
• Once you're logged in you'll see your Username above the Homepage banner in the top right-hand corner.
• Click on the drop-down arrow, which brings up a menu
• Click Profile and make any updates.

I signed up but didn't receive the activation email. What should I do?

• The email may have gone into your "spam email" folder. Check there first!
• Your email service provider may have a very strong firewall that is blocking the activation email. This happens occasionally. Contact your service provider.
• You may have typed your email address incorrectly - it's very easy to inadvertently use a comma instead of a full-stop if you’re in a rush. An accidental full stop or underscore can make all the difference!

What is the difference between consultation and engagement?

Consultation involves obtaining public feedback on proposals; it is one form of engagement. The Council regularly consults communities through process such as the long-term plan which determine Council’s strategic direction as well as how it sets budgets and prioritises projects.

The Council will consult the community on significant decisions, following the principles set out in section 82 of the Act. Council can also decide to consult at any time on a decision, where it considers that appropriate. For most Council decisions, there is no express requirement to consult the public, but we will consider people’s views and preferences.

Engagement is a broader and ongoing process of sharing information with the community and seeking its feedback, with the purpose of involving the community in the process of decision making. This process may include a more formal consultation process to meet legal requirements.

What stage a project is in their timeline and the significance of the project will determine what information is available and the type of feedback required. We will outline on each project page which phase the project is in and whether or not we are formally consulting or just asking for feedback to help shape the content of the project. If you are unclear, please contact the project officer. Their details will be provided on the project page under who’s listening?