CODC approves representation changes

‘‘WHAT’S in a name?’’ is a question for another time, but recommended changes to local government representation in Central Otago have received the seal of approval from councillors.

The Central Otago District Council voted in favour of changes in the Cromwell and Vincent wards on Wednesday, as part of a representation review required by law every six years.

The changes, outlined in an initial proposal for which public consultation closed on August 7, proposed the number of Cromwell councillors be increased from three to four, to reflect population growth there; the number of Vincent Community Board members reduced from five to four, in line with other community boards; and the amalgamation of the Alexandra and EarnscleughManuherikia council wards into a new Vincent ward.

The council approved the changes and adopted them as its final proposal, which will now go out for further public consultation.

Seventeen submissions on the changes were received, 12 agreeing with the proposal and others against parts of them or suggesting other ideas.

Some wanted council wards and community boards to be phased out, and for councillors to be elected at large.

Submitters Barry Hambleton, of Alexandra, who made a personal submission and one on behalf of the Alexandra Clyde and Districts Business Group; and Stu Millis, of Alexandra, agreed with the amalgamation of the Alexandra and EarnscleughManuherikia wards, but said the name of the ward should be changed to Alexandra or AlexandraClyde.

‘‘Most residents don’t know what area the Vincent Community Board represents but everyone who watches TV knows where Alexandra is,’’ Mr Hambleton said.

However, councillors discussed the history of the Vincent name and said it was simple and made no difference to the promotion of the district.

As well, there had been no consultation about the possibility of changing the name of the ward.