Fresh thinking about civic engagement does not have to be complex. The best approaches go back to the basics, ask the right questions, and focus on the people.

This report is about how the right to ‘have a say’ in local government in New Zealand has slowly eroded in recent years. The principle of subsidiarity holds that decisions should be made at the level closest to those affected by them, yet the ability of local communities to have a say in their affairs...

A community issue exhibition​ uses art and artifacts as a catalyst for community action on a specific local issue. This model is designed to: ● Invite the general public​ to get involved in making their community better in a targeted way ● Empower community organizations​ that work on that issue to raise awareness and inspire...

Dominic Kelly investigates the false promise of digital democracy.

In 2018, councils were required – for the second time since the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act) was amended in 2014 – to produce consultation documents for their long-term plans. This report is based on audits of the 2018-28 consultation documents. It is a mix of reflection, commentary, and good-practice guidance.