Have your say

HOW DO YOU WANT to see our councillor and wards electoral system work across the Taupō District? That's something we want to hear your thoughts on over the next few weeks.

We will soon be seeking this feedback as part of a formal Representation Review following our District's decision to create a Māori ward – a move taken to better ensure all local voices of our ratepayers and residents can be fully heard.

Setting up this new ward means we are now required to take a fresh look at how all the communities and people in our district are represented.

Our initial proposal involves keeping things the same for the Taupō ward, the Mangakino-Pouakani ward, and the Taupō East Rural ward. But it does involve changes to arrangements about how local voices are represented and heard in the Turangi-Tongariro ward. We want your thoughts on this.

We also want to know how you think our Māori ward should be arranged – we are proposing a district-wide ward with two councillors, based on the numbers on electoral rolls.

We are strongly encouraging all residents and ratepayers to have their say on our proposals. Your views will help us get it right.

Visit www.taupo.govt.nz/repreview to find out more about the overall initial proposal. From July 7 more detailed information on what we are suggesting, and why, will go live on the webpage. From that date you can also then have your say via the site.

The formal consultation period runs from July 7 until 4.30pm August 9. During this time you can also email representationreview@taupo. govt.nz to have your say.

Given the extent of proposed changes in Turangi-Tongariro ward we will be holding a Turangi drop-in event where you can come along to learn more, and use our iPads to make submissions on the spot if you wish. The event runs between 10am to 12noon on July 7 outside the Turangi Library.