Use the Engagement Methods Tool to find the right tool for your community and stakeholder engagement project.
Community Working Groups are small, focused groups of community members brought together to provide input, advice, or co-design support on a specific project or issue. Often established by councils, agencies, or community organisations, these groups operate over a defined time period and are guided by clear terms of reference. They allow for in-depth dialogue and […]
Collaborative governance is a participatory approach to decision-making and problem-solving that brings together stakeholders from various sectors—government, private, non-profit, and community groups—to address complex societal challenges or achieve shared goals. This model emphasises inclusivity, transparency, and consensus-building to foster sustainable solutions and improve public outcomes. Key Features of Collaborative Governance Multi-Sector Engagement: It involves collaboration […]
The hui is a sophisticated New Zealand Māori tradition that involves bringing people together for a specific purpose or take (cause for gathering). (O’Sullivan and Mills, 2009)
Talanoa is a conversational process used daily by Pasifika peoples and involves sharing of stories and development of knowledge. Talanoa can be used to engage Pasifika participants in a community-based action research process to explore their lived experiences.
Citizens working with organisations to contribute to scientific research with the aim to increase scientific knowledge.
A reflective process designed to examine the key events of the past along a timeline, highlights and lowlights and any learnings or insights.
Dotmocracy, also known as dot-voting or idea rating, is a method for group prioritisation to help progress ideas or action.
Interactive computer application designed for smartphones, mobile devices and computer tablets.
An exploratory, facilitated group method where participants are asked to close their eyes and visualise what their community looks like now and in the future. Uses visualisation and dialogue and may be extended to include creative arts activities.
An online series of posts about an engagement project or issues, which the community can share and comment on.
Advertisements paid for in print, broadcast or online mediums. Can be used to promote projects, engagement activities or to meet legal obligations.
Research involving a community of practice trying to solve a problem through action. Communities act as “co-researchers”.
Deliberation and decision making is undertaken by decision makers in view of the public, such as in a public gallery or by video streaming, to enhance transparency and accountability.
Community engagement or project teams go door-to-door to liaise with affected residents.
Open, hosted conversations set in cafes or other places where community members would ordinarily gather.
A small group discussion hosted by a facilitator about a focussed topic.
Community and stakeholders are invited to tour a site to gain a deeper understanding or to gain first-hand experience.
A form of discussion where participants agree to suspend judgments to fully explore a question and seek shared meaning.
Gathering ideas, services and content, from online users, rather than from staff or suppliers. Crowdsourcing can including asking for solutions to a problem, seeking funding for a project such as a start-up (crowdfunding) developing creative content or graphics, or to gather information. Can include a competition or incentive.
Presentations and discussions with community or stakeholder groups. Can vary widely from informing to gathering feedback, ideas or options.
A program to educate the community about a topic, project or proposition. Education campaigns can be designed to raise awareness, generate understanding or support behaviour change.
A large-scale 2-3 day event where a large number of diverse people come together to consider information, engage in dialogue, participate in interactive activities and make recommendations.
A leaderless meeting where participants take a seat in a central circle to discuss a topic or question, that is controversial. Those watching follow a structured process to enter into the circle of discussion. Designed to voice multiple perspectives.
A structured process for decision making that focuses on building on strengths (“what works well”), rather than focusing on problems and limitations.
