Mayor welcomes Local Government Commission determination

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Jenny Rowan is “delighted” the Local Government Commission has in large measure upheld her Council’s position on the size and shape of local wards and community boards.

The Commission today (April 21) released its determination, saying five councillors will continue to be elected from the four wards and five elected by the district as a whole.

It agreed with Council’s submission to return the Waikanae boundary to its 2004 position, including Reikorangi and Peka Peka areas, but rejected Council’s call for the Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board elected membership to be increased from four to six with one councillor appointed back.

The Commission said it was not “persuaded” that the population of the community was a sufficient argument to increase the number of elected members of the Paraparaumu-Raumati board. However, it said that in line with Council’s initial proposal, it had determined that both Paraparaumu ward councillors would be appointed to the Paraparaumu-Raumati Community board (rather than one under the existing arrangement).

It said there should be a minor adjustment to ward boundaries by moving a small area from the Paekakariki-Raumati Ward to the Paraparaumu Ward (based on access and community of interest considerations).

Mayor Rowan said she could not fault the Commission’s reasoning.

“The Commission has clearly taken on board our arguments concerning communities of interest, the fact that we have a rich history of participatory democracy and a very lively interest in local issues at a grass roots level.

“The Commission has also clearly taken on board the fact that there was no groundswell for change.”

ENDS

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