Region representation under review

Every six years, in consultation with the community, we review our representation on Council to ensure it is fair and meets the needs of our communities.

At a council meeting in March, an initial (draft) proposal was resolved that proposes that Gisborne District Council be comprised of 14 councillors plus the mayor, and divided into 5 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 greater detail on our website http://www.gdc.govt.nz/representation-review-2017/

The First Past the Post electoral system will be retained under the proposal. There will be no Maori wards or community boards.

Consultation on the representation review is happening alongside the Long Term Plan consultation meetings. One separate meeting will be held with some Hexton residents affected by the adjusted ward boundary.

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.
Submissions close at 5pm Thursday 12 April.

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