Maori ward numbers ‘do not stack up at the moment’

QUEENSTOWN

THE number of Queenstown Lakes residents on the Maori electoral roll means the district does not qualify for the creation of a Maori ward.

At a meeting of the Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday, councillors agreed not to recommend the establishment of a Maori ward in the district.

Mayor Jim Boult said the numbers ‘‘do not stack up at the moment’’.

A report for councillors by electoral officer Jane Robertson said a Local Government Commission formula for assessing whether Maori were proportionately represented showed the number of Maori on the district’s electoral roll remained too low. But a resolution to establish such a ward for the next election, and a poll on the issue, was needed if 5% of electors demanded one.

Mrs Robertson said the council’s position on the matter ‘‘could change with future population increases’’.

Councillors agreed to recommend keeping the firstpastthepost electoral system for electing the district council and Wanaka Community Board for the next two local body elections.

The council is required by law to carry out a representation review at least every six years, the next review being due for completion next year.

„ Councillors formally approved a 1.35% overall average rates rise for the 202021 year, which is lower than signalled by the council in June.

The draft annual plan was revised to consider the impact of Covid19 on the district’s economy, with the overall average rates increase sharply reduced from 6.76% to a forecast rise of 1.59%.

That was reduced further because the number of rateable properties in the 202021 year is estimated to rise 4.1% to 28,573 from 27,454 last year, a higher rise than anticipated.