Councils across the country are following in the footsteps of Napier City, which is "setting the standard" with new consultation measures.
At least 14 New Zealand local governments have contacted the Napier City Council about their Say It website, which is being used for the council's Long Term Plan 2018-2028 consultation.
This means ratepayers can provide feedback, or ideas online, through designated categories from "Places to Play", to "our beautiful environment", or offer "something different".
The submissions - all of which are visible on the site - range from Napier becoming plastic bag free, a planetarium on Bluff Hill, or using the Soundshell more for open air cinemas, or night markets.
"A place to stop and grab a coffee, cold beer or wine while walking along the new Marine Parade on a summers day with a bit of music and outdoor seating would create a nice atmosphere and a bit of a chilled bar scene," one submitter suggested.