How we’re represented at Council: have your say

Now is your chance to assess if Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s current representation arrangements fit or are due for a change.

“Representation lies at the heart of a thriving democracy and community, ensuring that the voices of everyone are heard, considered, and represented in decision-making processes,” explains Western Bay Mayor James Denyer.

Councils are required to review their representation arrangements every six years to ensure effective and fair representation for the community. This includes things like the boundaries of our District’s voting wards and the number of elected councillors.

The last review took place in 2018. “Our community is evolving, and our representation arrangements need to keep pace,” says Mayor James.

Population estimates, according to Stats NZ, show nearly 12,000 newcomers to the Western Bay – from 48,960 in June 2017 to 60,770 in June 2023. This includes the general electoral population increasing from 43,000 to 53,500 and the Māori electoral population increasing from 5,960 to 7,240.

Issues for review include the boundaries of wards, as well as the number of Māori wards, our District should have. Should we keep community boards, how many there should be, what their boundaries are, or whether we should try something different?

Council has already decided that the ‘First Past the Post’ electoral system will be used for the 2025 and 2028 local body elections.

It also decided to establish Māori wards for the 2025 local body election. This means that for the first time, Council’s representation arrangements will include a Māori ward or wards.

Following this community kōrero, Council will develop a draft proposal and report back in July-August before adopting the final arrangements.

Any changes will be in place for the next Western Bay of Plenty District Council election in 2025.

What are the current representation arrangements? Western Bay has a mayor who is elected by the whole of the District, i.e. ‘at large’. There are 11 councillors who are elected from three different general wards (Katikati-Waihī Beach ward: three councillors; Kaimai ward: four councillors; Maketū-Te Puke ward: four councillors).

There are also five community boards (Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke and Maketū), each with four members and two councillors.

You can give feedback via hard copy forms available at all Council library and service centres, via email at haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz, online at the Have Your Say web page haveyoursay .westernbay.govt.nz/rep-review-2024

Feedback closes 5pm Monday 15th April 2024.