Representation Review - help us make local democracy more effective

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CLOSED: Consultation has concluded.

The community engagement phase for the Representation Review has finished. Council is going through all the feedback received and will be in touch later this year with the Initial Proposal. If you've any queries, please contact haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz


Have your say on Western Bay's representation arrangements. Help us give you a fair and effective voice in local decision-making. Community engagement ends on Friday, 6 April 2018.


Representation Arrangements

Following on from consideration of the electoral system and whether Māori wards should be established, Council is now looking at whether the current representation arrangements (Mayor, 11 Councillors, three wards, five community boards and 20 community board members), provides for fair and effective representation, or if changes can be made to improve the District’s representation.


Changes could affect:

  • the total number of elected members

  • whether they come from wards, are voted in ‘at large’ across the wider District, or are a mix of both

  • the number and names of wards and community boards.


How to have your say

  • Fill out the feedback form below under the tab called 'Online Feedback Form'. Attach any documents and/or drawings.
  • Drop in at one of our information sessions near you.

  • If you belong to a community group and would like more information or to meet with staff, call us on 0800 926 732 (freephone) to request a meeting before the engagement period ends on Friday, 6 April 2018.


The deadline to have your say is Friday, 6 April 2018.


Our commitment to your feedback

Before developing an initial proposal Council wants to find out what you think about how you are currently being represented. Your feedback will be considered as part of a process to make sure the representation arrangements being proposed meet our communities’ interests, are fair and effective. Any changes made through this process will apply to the next local government elections in 2019 and 2022.

The community engagement phase for the Representation Review has finished. Council is going through all the feedback received and will be in touch later this year with the Initial Proposal. If you've any queries, please contact haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz


Have your say on Western Bay's representation arrangements. Help us give you a fair and effective voice in local decision-making. Community engagement ends on Friday, 6 April 2018.


Representation Arrangements

Following on from consideration of the electoral system and whether Māori wards should be established, Council is now looking at whether the current representation arrangements (Mayor, 11 Councillors, three wards, five community boards and 20 community board members), provides for fair and effective representation, or if changes can be made to improve the District’s representation.


Changes could affect:

  • the total number of elected members

  • whether they come from wards, are voted in ‘at large’ across the wider District, or are a mix of both

  • the number and names of wards and community boards.


How to have your say

  • Fill out the feedback form below under the tab called 'Online Feedback Form'. Attach any documents and/or drawings.
  • Drop in at one of our information sessions near you.

  • If you belong to a community group and would like more information or to meet with staff, call us on 0800 926 732 (freephone) to request a meeting before the engagement period ends on Friday, 6 April 2018.


The deadline to have your say is Friday, 6 April 2018.


Our commitment to your feedback

Before developing an initial proposal Council wants to find out what you think about how you are currently being represented. Your feedback will be considered as part of a process to make sure the representation arrangements being proposed meet our communities’ interests, are fair and effective. Any changes made through this process will apply to the next local government elections in 2019 and 2022.

CLOSED: Consultation has concluded.

  • Background information

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    14 May 2018
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Our elected members make decisions, on behalf of residents, to meet the needs of the entire Western Bay of Plenty District.

    The District is made up of three wards (Katikati-Waihi Beach, Kaimai and Maketu-Te Puke) and five community boards (Waihi Beach, Katikati, Omokoroa, Te Puke and Maketu). We have 1 Mayor, 11 councillors and 20 community board members.

    We invite you to give us your ideas and opinions about how you are currently represented.

    Council is legally required to review our representation every six years. This Representation Review has three parts to it: the electoral system; Māori wards; and representation arrangements.

    Before developing an initial proposal Council wants to find out what you think about how you are currently being represented. Your feedback will be considered as part of a process to make sure the representation arrangements being proposed meet our communities’ interests, are fair and effective.

    Any changes made through this process will apply to the next local government elections in 2019 and 2022.

  • Three parts to the Representation Review

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    14 May 2018
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Part 1 Electoral system (How we vote)
    Council passed a resolution in August 2017 to remain with the First Past the Post (FPP) system. FPP elects candidates who get the most votes in an election or by-election.

    Part 2 Māori representation
    Council passed a resolution in November 2017 to establish Māori Wards. However, more than five percent of electors demanded a poll to decide the final outcome. The poll will be open from Friday, 27 April to midday on Saturday, 19 May and will be conducted by our Electoral Officer. For more information on Māori Wards visit www.westernbay.govt.nz and click on the Representation Review tile on the front page.

    Part 3 Representation arrangements

    Following on from consideration of the electoral system and whether Māori wards should be established, Council is now looking at whether the current representation arrangements (Mayor, 11 Councillors, three wards, five community boards and 20 community board members), provides for fair and effective representation, or if changes can be made to improve the District’s representation.

    Changes could affect:

    • the total number of elected members

    • whether they come from wards, are voted in ‘at large’ across the wider District, or are a mix of both

    • the numbers and names of wards and community boards.