North Shore City Council is committed to involving the community in planning the future of our city. We all agree we want a clean and unpolluted environment, attractive living and working areas, an effective transport system, a great community spirit and economic prosperity. We also all want a council that provides affordable and well-managed services in the city.

We need your help so that we can create the city you want now and in the future. There are many ways you can get involved, including:

• making submissions on issues we're currently consulting on

• getting involved in the City Plan process

• attending council and local community board meetings

• voting for your preferred representatives every three years.

Local Government Act 2002

Every day North Shore City residents and ratepayers are affected by the decisions we make. The Local Government Act 2002 changes the way councils have to work with their communities and provides more opportunities for people to have their say.

The new Act sets out a clear purpose for local government – to promote your community's social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being. This means that we need to think about how everyone can work together to do the things that local communities think are important for their future. The Act is also about people working with councils to help them make good local decisions. Councils have to be open about what they're doing and answerable to their communities.

The Department of Internal Affairs outlines in detail the various opportunities you have to be involved in council activities, what you can expect from your council and what to do if you are unhappy about a council decision.