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How this site works

If you have questions about using this website you may find the answers below.

If you cannot find an answer to your question please email us on yoursay@stratford.govt.nz 

How to use this website

Each project page is designed to provide an overview of the project at the top left and more information on the far right or if you scroll down the page. 

There are a wide range of tools available on the site designed to be easy to use:

  • Formal Submission allows you to provide your feedback quick and easily, often used for consultations that have a legislative requirement.
  • Feedback Forms and online Surveys help us to gather information, local knowledge, community views and opinions. It’s an easy way for you to contribute your ideas and thoughts.
  • Quick polls are exactly that - a quick snapshot in time to measure the 'community pulse' on a specific topic or project.
  • Discussion Forum allows you to discuss and share your views with the community and Council. They are great for open and honest discussion and debate.
  • Q&A allows us to respond to any questions or comments raised by you either privately or publicly. This also allows us to track your issues throughout the consultation to keep an eye on your concerns. 
  • Guest Book is a space where you can share your stories, ideas and express yourself without the fear of challenge. There are no facilities for replies, voting, agreeing or disagreeing on comments.


What's the difference between a formal submission and a survey?

A formal submission is required for some specific projects or decisions, or to fulfill a legislative requirement. These are usually for strategic decisions (e.g. our Long Term Plan). A formal submission requires the contact name and address of respondents, which becomes public information and is provided to Council for consideration. 


What are the advantages of engaging online?

  • Engaging online allows you to have your say in Council’s decision making process in your own time and comfort of your own home.
  • You don't have to attend community meetings at a set place and time, you can contribute at a time and place that suits you.
  • It is a quick, safe and convenient way to have your say on a range of issues and topics.
  • It is a great way to keep up to date and contribute your views on issues affecting your community.
  • You can see what other community members think about an issue or topic, respond with your own views and engage in a discussion.
  • It allows for a range of different people, with different views to discuss matters that impact on their community.


Why do I need to register to participate

Registering is quick and simple. It helps you stay connected and informed on projects that interest you. 

It also helps us to better understand who we are engaging with. It ensures discussions and results are not manipulated by someone leaving multiple comments to support their own position. Your personal details will not appear online. If you participate, only a personalised user name, which you create, will appear along with your thoughts.

We advise that if you want to remain anonymous, you do not use your name as a user name. 


Will my privacy be protected?

Yes. Your privacy is protected as YourSay.stratford.govt.nz is hosted and moderated by an external independent service provider - Bang the Table, Engagement HQ. No third parties have access to or will be provided with your details. You can read our privacy policy here. 


What happens to my feedback?

All comments, ideas and suggestions are collated and used by the relevant project officer to inform the development of strategies, programmes and activities, or to gain an insight into community views and opinions.

Often, feedback provided online is used in conjunction with other face-to-face consultation activities such as workshops, meetings, open days or surveys.

When each consultation closes, all contributions are compiled into a report, which will be presented to Council when considering the particular matter.

All feedback provided during consultation will be considered, however this does not mean that every suggestion can be taken on board and adopted as proposed.


I have tried to register, but my email address has already been taken? How is this possible?

There are a couple of possibilities: 

  • Someone else in your family has used your email address to establish an account in the past
  • You have used this site before and forgotten your sign-in details. If this is the case, see the question below, 'I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?'


I've forgotten my password and/or my username. What should I do?

Don't worry, we all do it. We've tried to make this process as simple as possible:

  1. Click the "Login" link on the top right of the screen. 
  2. Click the "Forgotten password" link under the "Sign in" button.
  3. Type in your email address and click "Enter". You will then receive an email with your Username and a link back to the site. Click on that link to reset your password.
  4. Sign in with your old username and new password.


I signed up, but didn't receive the activation email. What should I do?

There are a few reasons this might have happened: 

  • The email may have gone into your "Spam email" folder. Check there first. 
  • You may have typed your email address incorrectly - it's very easy to inadvertently use a comma instead of a full-stop if you're in a rush.
  • Your email service provider may have a very strong firewall that is blocking the activation email. This happens occasionally. Contact your service provider. 


How can I edit my profile?

  1. Log into your account.
  2. Once you're logged in you'll see your Username above the Homepage banner in the top right-hand corner.
  3. Click on the drop-down arrow, which brings up a menu
  4. Click "Profile" and make any updates.


Who can I contact about Your Say Stratford?

If you have any questions/feedback about the content of the website or consultations you can either: 

  • Email YourSay@stratford.govt.nz 
  • Get in touch with our customer service team on 06 765 6099
  • Or contact the staff listed on a project page in the 'Who's listening' section.


How is this site moderated?

Site moderation will be conducted by the web platform provider Bang the Table, Engagement HQ. The moderators do not edit or alter any comments, and will only remove comments deemed to be offensive or malicious, in which case they are removed from the site immediately. Any participant that has a comment removed will be notified and the reasons explained. Please be respectful of the opinions of others.

For further information take a look at the Moderation Policy page.


Other ways to have your say

We'd love for you to register and use this website to have your say, but if that's not your style, here are some other options: