Local board workshops in Howick will be open to the public in early 2025.
Some of the city’s 21 boards already hold open workshops. These are non-decision-making meetings used for discussions and refining options before formal board decisions in our public business meetings.
Howick Local Board chair Damian Light says the decision has been taken in response to the Ombudsman’s Open for Business report.
“In our representative democracy it’s vital that the public have trust in those making the decisions on their behalf. Transparency is a crucial part of this and that’s why we’re opening our workshops to the public from the start of next year.
“With so much advice to receive and information to process, workshops throughout the month give staff a less formal setting to brief us, with time for questions and discussion.” Light explains.
Last October, the Ombudsman released a report that found no evidence of decision-making at workshops, but noted practices that could undermine transparency, recommending they be open by default, with any closures justified on a case-by-case basis. There is no legal requirement for them to be open for the public.
Board members debated the risks and benefits of opening workshops to the public.
Concerns included the potential for stifling open discussions, public confusion over decision-making processes, and possible disruptions during the meeting. On the flip side, the benefits highlighted were increased transparency, allowing the community to engage with the process, and enhancing our accountability.
Light adds, “By opening these workshops up to the public and publishing the materials, you’ll see and hear the same advice we get, demystifying the process and increasing our accountability to you.
“It’s important to note that, while the public will be welcome to attend these workshops to observe, there won’t be an opportunity for public input or questions. And there may be cases where we need to close individual workshop items to protect sensitive information, and we’ll notify the public when this happens.”
Workshops for Auckland Council’s Governing Body – the mayor and councillors – are also being made open to the public by recording and uploading video to council’s website.
Details on this decision can be found here.
Stay connected
Sign up to receive our Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters.
