How do you want to be represented in local decision making?
This is the next stage in our community kōrero about how you want to be represented in local decision making. Earlier this year (15 May - 15 June 2024) we asked what you thought about the number of councillors and the way they are elected, the boundaries of wards, the number of Māori ward councillors, and whether we should keep community boards (see previous consultation). Following on from this feedback, Council have decided on an initial Representation Review proposal.
Now we want you to tell us what youContinue reading
How do you want to be represented in local decision making?
This is the next stage in our community kōrero about how you want to be represented in local decision making. Earlier this year (15 May - 15 June 2024) we asked what you thought about the number of councillors and the way they are elected, the boundaries of wards, the number of Māori ward councillors, and whether we should keep community boards (see previous consultation). Following on from this feedback, Council have decided on an initial Representation Review proposal.
Now we want you to tell us what you think about the proposal. Make sure you do it before 5pm Friday 11 October when consultation closes. Take the survey here or find it at the bottom of the page.
Our initial representation proposal:
- Reduce the number of councillors to 10 (Mayor + 8 General Ward councillors + 1 Māori Ward councillor) from the current 12 (Mayor + 11 General Ward councillors)
- Keep our 3 general wards (Katikati-Waihi Beach, Kaimai, and Maketu-Te Puke), but adjust ward boundaries so your councillors each represent about the same number of people in our community
- Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward and Kaimai Wards minor boundary adjustment (see map)
- Kaimai Ward and Maketu-Te Puke Ward minor boundary adjustment (see map)
- Keep our existing five community boards and adjust three of our community board boundaries to better align with these communities of interest
(Want to see more detail on the above, including what other options were considered, and our current arrangements? See our Proposal document, or Frequently Asked Questions).
Why are we having this kōrero?
Councils are required to review their representation arrangements every six years to ensure that we have effective and fair representation for the community. It includes things like where the boundaries of our District’s voting wards go and the number of elected councillors that we have.
We last did this in 2018 and our District has changed since then.
Population estimates show nearly 12,000 newcomers to the Western Bay – an increase from 48,960 in June 2017 to 60,770 in June 2023 – since the 2018 Representation Review. This includes the general electoral population increasing from 43,000 to 53,500 and the Māori electoral population increasing from 5960 to 7240. The District is also becoming increasingly diverse.
Who we are as a community continues to change, so the way you are represented in local decision making needs to evolve too. It's crucial that the make-up of Council seats reflects who we are now, not who we were.
What happens from here?
Following this community kōrero, we will hear any public submissions on 17 October 2024, then your feedback will help Council to consider the final proposal.
Any changes will be in place for the next Western Bay of Plenty District Council election in 2025.
Have further pātai, want to give feedback in person or talk to someone?
- Table talk - focus group sessions - Want to understand more, unpack the things that may have stopped you from joining the kōrero in the past, or just learn something new? Come and sit down and engage in meaningful kōrero with experts on key topics: Māori representation at the Council table, reduction in councillors, and the role of our five community boards.
Each table will focus on one of these topics, providing an opportunity to share your views, hear from others and delve deeper into what these changes mean. You'll have the opportunity to move around and spend equal time at each of the three tables, providing you the chance to gain a good understanding of all the topics.
This is your chance to voice concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback as you rotate through each topic. Your input is invaluable in shaping how we move forward together as a community.
Come along to one of the following sessions. To help us with numbers, please email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz by Monday 7 October to register:
- Tuesday 8 October, 6-8pm – Western Bay of Plenty District Council chambers, 1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga
- Wednesday 9 October, 6-8pm – Boyd Room, Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub, 21 Main Road, Katikati
- Thursday 10 October, 6-8pm – The Orchard Church, 20 MacLoughlin Drive, Te Puke
- Join the kōrero
- Have Your Say page
- Fill in a feedback form in person at Council library and service centres
- Otherwise, you can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732) or email us at haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz.
Our Privacy Statement: All submissions (including names and contact details) may be provided in full to elected members. Submissions (including names but not contact details) may be made available to the public at our office and on our website. Your personal information may also be used for the administration of the consultation process, including informing you of the outcome of the consultation. All information collected will be held by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, 1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3112 with submitters having the right to access and correct personal information.
Proposed Community Board boundary adjustment maps
Maketu Community Board - existing and proposed new boundaries (64.8 KB) (pdf)