Council is urging people to submit feedback on the Representation Review as no submissions have yet been received ahead of the September 8 closing date.

Melissa Short, the Council’s Strategy and Policy Manager, said that after providing feedback to the Independent Advisory Panel, some people may not realise did not count as part of formal consultation for Council’s decision.

“It’s great that people filled in a feedback form to help the Panel, who provided recommendations to Council, but if you want to have your say you need to officially submit,” she said. “Unless you submit on this, you cannot appeal.”

Council made the following resolutions, after considering the report of the Independent Advisory Panel, under the Local Electoral Act 2001 with respect to effective representation (the Initial Proposal):

• To elect its Mayor and Councillors at large (no Wards). This means that voters can vote for all Councillors. No change from the 2010 election format.
• For 12 Councillors to be elected. No change from the 2010 election format.
• To retain the Bluff Community Board (5 elected Board members and one appointed Council representative, with no change to Board boundaries). No change from the 2010 election format.

NOTE: The Council’s Initial Proposal is open for submissions until 5pm on Tuesday, September 8. Further information including the Initial Proposal and submission form can be found at www.icc.govt.nz/public-documents/consultation/