Objections open

Objections and appeals are open on Hauraki District Council’s final representation proposal.

Hauraki residents can share their thoughts on how many councillors should represent the area for the next two elections. Every six years the council has to look at the number of councillors and wards in the District as well as whether or not it should have community boards.

The council initially proposed to reduce the number of councillors in the District from 12 to nine. But the feedback received showed that a reduction in numbers from 12 to nine councillors would not meet the representation needs of the district’s communities. The council has now amended its proposal to go with the status quo — one mayor elected by the whole district and 12 councillors; four representing the Paeroa Ward, four representing the Waihi Ward and four representing the Plains Ward, with no community boards.

As the amended proposal will likely fall just outside the allowable population range for the Waihi Ward, the matter will then go to the Local Government Commission to make the final decision on how it thinks councillor numbers should look for the next two elections, Council said.

■ Anyone who objects to the Council’s final proposal can lodge an objection. Anyone who has made a submission on the Council’s initial proposal can lodge an appeal against the decision.

■ Appeal/objection forms are available at Council offices and on its website until Friday, October 12.