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Representation Review 2009

What's it all about?

The Local Electoral Act 2001 requires the Council to review its representation at least each six years.

 

Do we have the right number of Councillors?
Should our Ward boundaries be changed?
Should the wards also be represented by a Ward Advisory Board or a Community Board?

The review is wide ranging and, through the submission process, takes the community views into account. The last review was carried out in 2003. The purpose of this review is to determine representation arrangements for the Waimakariri District for the 2010 local body election.
     
Current Representation Proposed Ward Boundaries
Currently the Waimakariri District comprises four electoral wards - two urban (Rangiora, Kaiapoi) and two rural (Woodend/Ashley, Oxford/Eyre) - which are represented by three Ward Advisory Boards (Rangiora, Woodend/Ashley, Oxford/Eyre) and one Community Board (Kaiapoi).
   
There are ten elected Councillors and one elected Mayor. The four wards are represented by three councillors in each urban ward and two councillors in each rural ward. Each councillor represents approximately 4,600 voters. The Mayor is elected ‘at large’ (across the District).
    view larger map

Major issues for consideration

 
Ward Boundaries  

There are different options as to how ward boundaries might be structured. The Council’s preferred option is to maintain the current ward boundaries with minor variations to maintain a population balance in each ward. (see diagrams below). Possible options, including the Council’s preferred option, and the rationale for that preference, are explored in detail in the Representation Review (pdf 775kb) documentation available from all Waimakariri District Council Service Centres and Libraries
     
Ward Advisory Boards and Community Boards

What do they do and what is the difference between the two? In simple terms, both Ward Advisory Boards and Community Boards advise the Council on local community needs and issues. They typically consist of between 9 and 12 members, some of whom are Councillors (3 each for Rangiora and Kaiapoi and 2 each for Oxford/Eyre and Woodend/Ashley). They are the ‘bridge’ between the local community and the Council. Each ward can have either a Ward Advisory Board or a Community Board. Ward Advisory Boards are appointed by the Council and Community Boards are elected by the community.
     


What do you think?


Your opinion is an integral part of the process and is most effectively expressed by making a submission. Making a submission is simple. You can:

Write to us


Representation Review 2009/10
Waimakariri District Council
Private Bag 1005
Rangiora 7440
Freepost 1667

Collect a submission form
from any of our Service Centres or Libraries at Rangiora, Kaiapoi or Oxford

Email us

Your submission should include:


• The decision you want the Council to make
• Your reasons for wanting that decision
• Whether you would like to make your submission in person to a hearing panel
• Your full name and contact details
 
Submissions open on Saturday August 15th, 2009 and close on Friday September 18th, 2009. Any late submissions may not be considered.
Hearings will be held on the 30 September and 1 October, 2009
     
Provided you have made a submission, you will have the right of appeal to the Local Government Commission. Appeals will be heard by 11 April, 2010.
     
Further documentation on the Representation Review (pdf 2440kb)