Using this site

Have Your Say is a great way to keep up to date, and contribute your views on the issues that affect our community, the issues that matter to you.

Our homepage will show you current and closed projects. Click on any project to read up to date information, see what the timelines are, and know where and when you can have your say.

This site gives you a quick, safe, and convenient way to have your say from the comfort of your home, or on your mobile device when you're out and about.

Register to be informed about things that matter to you

You can register by following these easy steps:

Simply click on the Register button at the top right corner of this page.

When prompted, create a screen name.

Create a password.

Complete your registration by entering a valid email address, and demographic information to help us understand who we are reaching within our community. Note: any personal details you enter will remain confidential.

You can also opt to join up to Te Kōrari, our People’s Panel, and if you’d like to keep up to date about opportunities to have your say.

If you have already registered, you can sign in using the button at the top right corner of the home page.

Once you're registered you are ready to go!

If you're wondering about other ways you can engage with us, and how we protect your privacy, check out our FAQ section below.

Frequently asked questions

Is my privacy protected?

Yes! Your privacy is absolutely protected. Environment Canterbury will only use your email to contact you with updates on the projects you have been involved in or invite you to participate in consultations. Your email address and other personal information will not be distributed to third parties, or made public in any way. 

The additional demographic data we collect during registration is only seen by select Council staff, who report engagement levels in a completely confidential manner. 

Why does Environment Canterbury seek feedback?

We're committed to working in partnership with our community when we're developing our policies, plans and services.

Your views shape the decisions we make. For us to deliver the best outcomes for everyone in our region, we need to hear from a range of people, reflective of the rich takiwa of Waitaha.

You can find our more in our Engagement, Significance and Māori Participation Policy about when and how we'll seek feedback.

When do opportunities come up for me to have my say?

Every three years we develop a Long-Term Plan, shaped by the feedback and aspirations of our community, and finalised through community consultation.

We will seek community feedback in the years between if anything changes significantly.

Aside from our region’s big plans, we seek community feedback and advice on development of policies, strategies, and other decisions that affect our takiwa. Check in regularly to see what is coming up, or register and let us know you want to hear from us; then we can send you notifications via email to let you know when you can have your say.

What happens with what I say?

Your opinion matters to us.

There are many different ways we ask for your feedback. Sometimes we are seeking your input to help make a final decision, other times your view is the starting point that may shape our planning. 

We will let you know in each engagement when is the best time for you to have your say, and show you the lifecycle of the project from start to finish, so you know how your feedback has shaped the final decision.

What other ways can I have my say?

Join Te Kōrari. Our People's Panel is made up of online surveys and members have the chance to tell us what they're thinking.

Present to Council. You can request 10 minutes at a Council meeting to present the ideas or concerns of you or your group. 

Speak to elected members of Council. They are your voice, and are available to discuss your ideas, issues, or concerns.

Talk to us at an event. Keep an eye out for Environment Canterbury flags at events in the community and have a chat with elected members or Council staff there.

Write to us. You can email us at haveyoursay@ecan.govt.nz or send us a letter to PO Box 345 Christchurch 8140.

Why do we ask for personal details?

We ask people to give personal details so we can assess whether we are reaching a people and group as diverse as our region. 

In each engagement we may require different details, including personal ones, depending on legislation. You will always be given the option to have your name withheld from public agenda papers. All other personal details will be kept confidential by default.

Need help?

You can get in touch with us if you have any questions about this site, or a consultation that is currently on this site. Email haveyoursay@ecan.govt.nz.