Petitions may be presented to the local authority or any of its committees, local boards or community boards, as long as the subject matter falls within the terms of reference of the intended meeting. Petitions must contain at least 20 signatures and consist of fewer than 150 words (not including signatories). They must be received by the chief executive at least 5 working days before the date of the meeting at which they will be presented. Petitions must not be disrespectful, use offensive language or include malicious statements (see standing order 19.9 on qualified privilege). They may be written in English or te reo Māori. Petitioners planning to present their petition in te reo or sign language should advise the chief executive in time to allow translation services to be arranged.
A petitioner who presents a petition to the local authority or any of its committees and subcommittees, local boards or community boards, may speak for 5 minutes (excluding questions) about the petition, unless the meeting resolves otherwise. The Chairperson must terminate the presentation of the petition if he or she believes the petitioner is being disrespectful, offensive or making malicious statements. Where a petition is presented as part of a deputation or public forum the speaking time limits relating to deputations or public forums shall apply.
The petition must be received by the chief executive at least 5 working days before the date of the meeting concerned.
Petition presented by member Members may present petitions on behalf of petitioners. In doing so, members must confine themselves to presenting:
(a) The petition;
(b) The petitioners’ statement; and
(c) The number of signatures.
