Board members still want ‘Lawrence’ in ward name
MEMBERS of a South Otago community board remain unhappy with a proposed ward name change.
Following a recent representation review by the Clutha District Council, a proposal to change the current ‘‘LawrenceTuapeka’’ ward and community board names to ‘‘Tuapeka’’ will be sent to the Local Government Commission for finalisation when a onemonth appeal/ objection period ends on Friday.
But LawrenceTuapeka Community Board member Geoff Davidson, who has represented the area since 1989, told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the board’s express wish to retain the full name had been ignored.
During workshops earlier this year, the board had voted unanimously to retain Lawrence within the ward name, and made a submission to the council to this effect.
However, during subsequent council discussions, LawrenceTuapeka ward councillor Geoff Blackmore had voted to change the name, contrary to the board’s wishes, Mr Davidson said.
When he raised the issue with Mr Blackmore at a community board meeting last week, the councillor said it was ‘‘his right’’ to vote as he saw fit.
This flew in the face of ‘‘fair and democratic’’ representation, Mr Davidson believed.
‘‘Tuapeka as a name is not representative of the area as a whole, as it extends up to Beaumont and into Waitahuna. Lawrence remains the main town of the district, and I believe should remain within its name. I just don’t think Geoff [Blackmore] should have gone against the board’s wishes, as we all have a say in representing the area.’’
Mr Blackmore told the ODT he was ‘‘comfortable’’ with his decision, despite board members’ objections.
‘‘I formed my eventual view by talking to several local people, and balancing the opin ion of the board alongside. I understand [the board’s] disappointment, but felt no real drive in the community to prevent the name change.’’
Mr Blackmore said he was concerned a late challenge of the name change with the Local Government Commission could trigger a full review of the council’s process by that body, and had advised board members against doing so.
‘‘In theory [the commission] could decide to disband the boards altogether and we’d have to wear it.’’
The commission said although technically possible, this was unlikely, however.
‘‘Given a council’s representation review process has clearly been thorough and robust, it would be extremely unlikely an appeal of a ward name change would lead to a fullscale review by the commission,’’ commission lead adviser Gavin Beattie said.
Mr Davidson said he would discuss the possibility of an appeal with fellow board members this week, before making a final decision.