Carterton Councillor Numbers: Status Quo The Way To Go?

Thursday, 4 July 2024, 4:07 pm
Article: Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

Carterton District Council is seeking status quo in its proposal to maintain eight ‘at large’ councillors and a mayor for the 2025 and 2028 local body elections.

Every six years, councils are required to review their electoral structure to ensure local communities are fairly represented.

Public consultation is now open on Carterton District Council’s proposed arrangement which has been in place since 2013.

As part of the review, council voted not to establish a Māori Ward last year.

Earlier this year, preliminary feedback was sought on three options: status quo, a mix of rural and urban wards, and a mix of rural, urban, and at large wards.

This feedback indicated a majority of people felt the existing arrangements were working well and supported status quo.

Councillors noted the current number of elected members was considered appropriate for meeting the needs of the community and that the ‘at large’ system would also provide for communities of interest to be represented.

Councillors approved the proposal for public consultation confirmed last week.

A reduction in the number of councillors to six was discussed but not progressed.

Submissions on the council’s representation review proposal will be open until August 4.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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