Porirua Poll Demonstrates New Ways To Build Consensus
Lawler, a long-standing Pukerua Bay resident and former member of Porirua City Council's executive team, is running on a platform of community voice, environmental protection, and financial sustainability. A seasoned community engagement specialist, she is using the campaign to trial new ways of involving residents in local decision-making.
" We should be worried that public interest in local government is declining at a time when our city faces urgent challenges—climate change, rising rates, housing access, failing infrastructure, and the health of our harbour," she says.
" Social media has become the default communication tool for many, but too often it drives polarisation and personal attack. That discourages participation. We need tools that encourage thoughtful contributions and give residents the ability to frame the issues in their own words."
Polis, the digital poll, enables participants to vote on statements submitted by others, and add their own. Participants can see where ideas cluster into areas of agreement, as well as where divisions exist—helping people focus on practical steps that can move the conversation forward. " Even when people disagree, they often propose new ideas that help bridge the gap," says Lawler. " That's how we make progress."
Unlike traditional polling, it doesn't force simple yes/no responses to other people's questions—it's a dynamic, community-shaped conversation designed to surface shared priorities and foster constructive debate.
'We encourage people to return to the site to see what's emerging'. says Lawler. " It's a way to hear the quiet as well as the loud, and see consensus building on a way forward."
She cites the recent Porirua Assembly on Climate, which was hosted in partnership between Ngāti Toa Rangatira and the wider community, as a positive example of deliberative democracy in action. " It showed that when people come together from different backgrounds and perspectives, they can develop smart, community-based solutions. I'd love to see that kind of process used more often."
The poll is open now, and all Porirua residents are encouraged to take part and to continue to visit the site. " This isn't about my views—it's about starting a wider conversation. I'm excited to see what emerges."
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