Feedback sought on Maori representation and STV

12 July 2005

Auckland Regional Council is calling for public submissions on two electoral reviews: the possible establishment of a Maori constituency and the option of introducing the single transferable vote electoral system for the next local elections in 2007.

The ARC is required to consider both electoral reviews as part of its responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Electoral Act 2001.

The Local Electoral Act provides Council with the discretion to establish a Maori constituency for the region, while under the Local Government Act 2002 Council has a broader obligation to actively consider ways in which Maori may contribute to Council’s decision-making processes.

ARC Chairman Michael Lee says the Council must consider whether a change from the present first past the post to a single transferable vote system is worthwhile.

“We want to hear the regional community’s view on whether we should change our electoral system or not and I encourage people to have their say as soon as possible,” he says.

Michael Lee says Council must also consider ways in which Maori can contribute to Council’s decision-making processes.

“The establishment of a Maori constituency is one of several options open to us.
The council wants to hear what the community has to say on this before any decision is taken.”

Council expects to make a decision on the issue of a Maori constituency before the end of August 2005 and must decide whether to change the electoral system from first past the post to single transferable vote by mid-September 2005.

Submissions must be made in writing and sent to the ARC by 4pm, Monday 8 August 2005. Verbal submissions will be heard.

Submissions forms and further information are available on our website at www.arc.govt.nz or by calling (09) 366 2000 (or 0800 80 60 40 if you are within the Auckland region but outside the Auckland free call area), or by writing to Electoral Reviews Consultation, Auckland Regional Council, Private Bag 92012, Auckland.

ENDS

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