Last chance to submit on Representation Review

Only a few days remain to have your say on the representation review.

A number of submissions have been received both for and against the proposed changes and council expects a final flurry to come through before submissions close at 5pm on April 12.

The representation review is held every six years to ensure council representation is fair, effective and meets the needs of our communities.

At a council meeting in March, an initial proposal was resolved that proposes that Gisborne District Council be comprised of 14 councillors plus the mayor, and divided into five wards as follows:

· Gisborne Ward (10 councillors)

· Matakaoa - Waiapu ward (1 councillor)

· Tawhiti-Uawa Ward (1 councillor)

· Taruheru-Patutahi Ward (1 councillor)

· Waipaoa Ward (1 councillor)

The proposed increase of one councillor in the city ward and adjustment of ward boundaries ensures compliance with the Local Electoral Act’s guidance to provide effective and fair governance for the entire district. The plus or minus 10 percent rule looks at the approximate population equity per elected councillor across the district.

The shift in ward boundaries - in particular for Matakaoa-Waiapu southern boundaries, Tawhiti-Uawa western boundaries and Taruheru-Patutahi and Waipaoa eastern boundaries - can be seen in detail on our website http://www.gdc.govt.nz/representation-review-2017/

The First Past the Post electoral system is to be retained and there will be no Maori wards or community boards established.

Consultation on the representation review has been taking place alongside the Long Term Plan consultation meetings.

The public is invited to make submissions on the representation review, either in writing, email, or online via our website. Please indicate if you wish to speak in support of your submission at a hearing – please be aware any submission is also made available to the public.

Council will read and consider all submissions before making a decision.

Once council has decided on its final proposal, an appeal period will be available where a submitter can appeal on the initial proposal about matters related to their submission. If the final proposal differs from the initial proposal, a person or organisation can lodge an objection if the final proposal differs from the initial proposal – this must identify the matters to which the objection relates. The local authority must refer their final proposal to the Local Government Commission if an appeal or objection is received.

If there are appeals or objections received, the Commission considers them and makes a final determination on the representation arrangements for that local authority.

ENDS

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