How do I make an effective submission to Auckland Council?

1. State your position first: say whether you support, oppose, or support with changes in the opening sentence.
2. Cite specific evidence: for each point, reference a source, figure, or local impact the decision-maker may not already know.
3. Address the statutory test: name the Act and the matters the decision-maker must consider. For a plan change, this means the Resource Management Act or the Auckland Unitary Plan. For an Annual Plan, it means the budget proposals on the table.
4. State the decision sought: tell the council exactly what you want them to decide, in plain language.
5. Lodge through the official portal: submit at akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz before the deadline. Late feedback is usually excluded.

Council analysts sort submissions into categories. Submissions that state a clear position, cite specific evidence, and address the statutory test are read carefully. Submissions that are vague, emotional, or identical to a template are grouped and counted, but carry less persuasive weight.

The most effective submissions tell the decision-maker something they did not already know: a local impact, a specific cost, or a source they should have read.

• Copied templates — identical wording is counted as one position.
• Vague statements with no source or specific impact.
• Arguments that do not address what the council can legally decide.
• Missing the deadline — late feedback is rarely accepted.

City Builders Association uses this structure in its own submissions. See our evidence method and feedback guide for worked examples, including ward-level PC120 briefings.