ECan representative proposal rejected
Environment Canterbury’s proposal to have just one elected member from South Canterbury following next year’s local government elections has been rejected by three district councils in the region.
In a joint submission, the Waimate, Mackenzie and Waitaki councils say one member would be insufficient to represent the diversity of the region.
The three councils agree two representatives would be required, the same model that existed before councillors were sacked and commissioners appointed by the Government in 2010.
The Timaru District Council will decide next week whether or not to sign the joint submission.
ECan is returning to a fully democratically-elected council and a representation review, which must be completed for the 2019 election, is under way.
ECan is currently represented by 12 councillors, seven elected and five government-appointed.
At its meeting on June 21, an initial proposal was tabled for a 13-member council elected from seven constituencies.
The proposal seeks to maintain the three Canterbury constituencies it now has, in North, Mid and South Canterbury, and divide Christchurch into four constituencies of north, west, central and south Christchurch.
Waimate District Mayor Craig Rowley said the three councils supported the return to a fully elected governance structure and that ‘‘there is no valid reason for changing the previous model’’.
‘‘Prior to the appointment of commissioners in 2010, Environment Canterbury had a council of 14 elected members, two of which represented South Canterbury and a small portion of North Otago,’’ Rowley said. ‘‘We don’t believe the proposal to have a total of 13 councillors, one of which would represent South Canterbury, is a fair representation.’’
Rowley said ECan was primarily responsible for the ‘‘effective management of land and water, and these issues are extremely important in the predominantly rural configuration of South Canterbury.
‘‘The submission argues that the proposed model of representation is predicated on a population-based model that does not fully take into account the unique diversity of the region. ECan chairman Steve Lowndes said the rationale behind the initial proposal was outlined on ECan’s website.
‘‘The initial proposal is just that, an initial proposal,’’ Lowndes said. ‘‘It is now open for submissions and we appreciate the time that the Waimate District Council and the other cosignatories have taken to put their submission together.
‘‘This council will consider all submissions following the closing date of July 30.
‘‘Public hearings on this topic will take place during the week of August 6, before a decision is made on a final proposal on August 23.’’