Councillors could go
Hauraki District Council could lose three councillors next year if a new proposal goes ahead.
But those left could be paid more. A proposal, currently before council, is looking to reduce representation in the three wards – Paeroa, Waihi, and the Plains – from four councillors to three.
They would also continue without community boards for the next two terms.
The Hauraki district has more councillors per capita than most other New Zealand districts, with one mayor and 12 councillors representing an estimated population of 20,000.
By comparison, Hamilton City Council has 12 councillors representing an estimated 160,000 people.
Research by the Remuneration Authority has shown Hauraki is one of the worst districts for overrepresentation.
Hauraki district mayor John Tregigda said a reduction in councillor numbers could result in greater diversity and more efficiency.
‘‘It’s a bit of a paradox, but because councillor’s salaries are to be paid as a percentage of a fixed overall pool, reducing numbers would mean the remaining individual councillors would earn a little bit more, which we hope might make it affordable for more people to consider standing,’’ he said.
He also said councillor workloads were far greater than they have ever been.
Councillors earned around $20,000 per year, meaning most were forced to have other roles to make ends meet or be semi-retired, he said.
Proposing an even number of councillors
‘‘Every six years we’re required by law to look at the number of councillors and wards in the district.’’ John Tregigda