(Scoop Note - Original Version Edited With Two Corrections From ORC

MEDIA RELEASE

February 25, 2013

Local Government Commission supports ORC representation change

The Local Government Commission has upheld the Otago Regional Council’s decision to increase the number of councillors from 11 to 12 by adding an additional member to the Dunstan constituency.

ORC, as required under the Electoral Act, last year undertook a view of its representation arrangements, to ensure that the region had fair and effective representation.

The council’s preferred option was to retain the existing constituencies (Dunstan, Moeraki, Molyneux, and Dunedin). The preferred option was adopted by the council on June 19, and publicly notified on June 21.

Five submissions were received on the proposal. The council considered the submissions and confirmed its original proposal on August 8.

The commission’s determination supports the council’s final proposal. The Dunstan constituency’s representation will increase from two councillors to three, while the Moeraki, Molyneux, and Dunedin constituencies retain one, two, and six councillors respectively.

ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said the additional councillor for Dunstan reflected the population growth in the area.

“With so much growth and development in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts, the new councillor will be able to help ensure those communities are well represented,” Cr Woodhead said.

The changes take effect from the local government elections later this year.

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