Part-ward system welcomed by community

The Local Government Commission yesterday announced that a part-ward system would replace at-large elections for the next Napier City Council election.

In last year's review of electoral systems, Napier City Council decided to continue with the at-large system on the grounds that Napier was one hetereogenous "community of interest".

Individuals and community organizations opposed this decision and appealed to the Commission, proposing instead a mixed part-ward, part-at-large system which would ensure better representation of Napier's diverse communities while maintaining the whole-city focus of an at-large council.

Yesterday's decision for six councilllors to be elected in four wards and six at-large is exactly what the appallents asked for, according to Maxine Boag, who presented the Maraenui Community Council Trust's appeal to the Commission.

"We are delighted with this decision, as it allows for much better representation on Council.

"The Commission obviously took heed of what we said; that we are not all the same, that there are areas that are quite distinctive in terms of socio economic status and that they're not represented on the current council."

"Let's hope this decision is a shot in the arm for Napier, that the communities not represented on Council will pick up this challenge, find strong candidates and get behind them. Voter apathy has been a real problem in our elections and let's hope this will get people out to vote and participate in the next election."

The Commission's decision can be seen on their website:
http://www.lgc.govt.nz/ under 2007 determinants

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