Last chance to submit on Representation Review
Only a few days remain to have your say on the representation review.
A number of submissions have been received both for and against the proposed changes and council expects a final flurry
to come through before submissions close at 5pm on April 12.
The representation review is held every six years to ensure council representation is fair, effective and meets the
needs of our communities.
At a council meeting in March, an initial proposal was resolved that proposes that Gisborne District Council be
comprised of 14 councillors plus the mayor, and divided into five 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 detail on our website
http://www.gdc.govt.nz/representation-review-2017/
The First Past the Post electoral system is to be retained and there will be no Maori wards or community boards
established.
Consultation on the representation review has been taking place alongside the Long Term Plan consultation meetings.
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.
Once council has decided on its final proposal, an appeal period will be available where a submitter can appeal on the
initial proposal about matters related to their submission. If the final proposal differs from the initial proposal, a
person or organisation can lodge an objection if the final proposal differs from the initial proposal – this must
identify the matters to which the objection relates. The local authority must refer their final proposal to the Local
Government Commission if an appeal or objection is received.
If there are appeals or objections received, the Commission considers them and makes a final determination on the
representation arrangements for that local authority.
ENDS