AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

28 June 2006

Proposed changes to ward boundaries announced

Auckland City Council agreed last week to a preferred option for reviewing ward boundaries in the city and is now seeking public feedback.

The review ensures that, as the city grows and changes, the ratio of residents per councillor remains fair and equal. Since the last representation review in 2001, the population of Hobson ward has increased beyond fair representation and as a result, the council agrees it is preferable to adjust the ward boundaries and keep the number of councillors at the status quo.

The proposed option was narrowed down from six original ward boundary options. The proposed changes are in line with the recommended population guidelines which is between 20,150 and 24,627 for each councillor:

- Eden-Albert ward to be enlarged to include Eden Terrace (at the border of the southern motorway)

- Eden-Albert ward to be enlarged to include Epsom south (south of Balmoral Road and west of Manukau Road)

- Tamaki-Maungakiekie ward to be enlarged to include One Tree Hill (south of Green Lane West and east of Manukau Road).

This option also affects the respective community board boundaries.

“We want to know what people think about the proposed changes to ward boundaries and we encourage Auckland city residents to make a submission on their preferences,” said Dr Bruce Hucker, Deputy Mayor and chairperson of the electoral working party.

Public consultation begins on 5 July and closes on 21 August. Auckland city residents are invited to have their say on the proposed option by obtaining a submission form from any Auckland City library, or online at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz.

From 5 July, the following libraries will display information and a detailed map of the proposed representation arrangement changes:

- Central library

- Leys Institute, Ponsonby

- Parnell Library

- Epsom Library

- Remuera Library

- Onehunga Library

- Mt Roskill Library

- Mt Albert Library

- Grey Lynn Library.

The proposed changes to ward boundaries only affect political representation structures. Apart from the proposed changes, no other areas are affected, and the balance of the city boundaries remains unchanged.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Representation review process:

- July/August – consultation with Auckland city residents on the preferred option

- September – council hears public submissions

- October – following public submissions, final representation arrangements and boundary changes are available to the public. Start of objection/appeal period

- November – any appeals/objections will go to the Local Government Commission for final decision

- Early 2007 – Local Government Commission releases final decision.

Every six years, the council is required to review how the population of wards are represented on the council. The review looks at the number of members, wards and community boards.

Auckland City’s current structure includes:

- 19 councillors

- 7 wards

- 52 community board members

- 10 community boards.

ENDS

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