Publications and Resources | Ngā pukapuka, ngā rauemi Submissions Guide and Resources

Submissions Guide and Resources

Submissions are an important part of the democratic process. Advocating for health may involve making submissions to policy makers or people of influence.

A submission is the presentation of people’s or organisation's opinions or views on a particular matter or issue under consideration. Submissions can be written and then reinforced through an oral presentation.

A submission provides evidence, experience, opinions, changes wanted and why.

Submissions can be very short (e.g. one page) or many pages. However they are more effective if they are relevant, clear, concise, accurate and include a conclusion.

Toi Te Ora Public Health makes a submission on a particular local issue or matter under consideration when it is in the interests of improving and protecting the health of the population. These written submissions are sometimes reinforced through an oral presentation by one of our team.

Have your say on issues relevant to public health in your community

You can have your say on areas related to public health and wellbeing in your community by making a submission to your local or regional council.

You can also give central government feedback on their plans before they make decisions. Your submissions are an important part of how government works. Visit the New Zealand Government website to view the list of current consultations.

Guides to making a submission

Toi Te Ora has collated below resources from around the country that you may find useful when making a submission to other agencies.

Promoting public health and wellbeing in your community - Public Health Association NZ
The purpose of this guide is to equip you with knowledge, information, concepts and skills that will enable you to work effectively with others to improve health and wellbeing in your community.
Toolkit for making submissions on alcohol license applications - Taranaki District Health Board - Public Health Unit
This toolkit is for members of the community who are concerned about a new or a renewed alcohol licence that has been applied for in their community.
Making a submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee - House of Representatives NZ
This booklet is designed to help those writing a submission to a select committee to produce it in a form that is easily read and understood by members of the committee.
An everyday guide to the Resource Management Act: Making a submission about a resource consent application - Ministry for the Environment
This guide from the Ministry for the Environment provides information for anyone who is making a submission about a resource consent application that is processed by a council.
Have your say: How to make an effective submission - Upper Hutt City Council
This resource from the Upper Hutt City Council is designed to help people make submissions to any public body.

Updated 19 Jul, 2021