2010 Electoral Review Underway

A Project Team made up of elected representatives and chaired by Cr John Morrissey is undertaking a review of representation arrangements for the 2010 local authority elections.

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, Thames-Coromandel District Council is required to review its representation every six years and this is due before the next local authority elections in 2010. The council may also choose to change its electoral system and establish Maori wards and constituencies.

The review is split into two stages. The first stage involves a decision on the type of electoral system to be used in 2010 and a decision on Maori representation. The second stage focuses on membership, ward boundaries and community boards.

As part of the first stage the Project Team - in consultation with Community Boards -undertook a comparison of the type of electoral system used. The Single Transferable Vote (STV) was compared to First Past the Post (FPP) and input was sought from Community Board members on their preferred electoral system along with comment on Maori representation and participation.

“After consideration of several issues we’re recommending that the council proceed with First Past the Post, and that we consult further with respect to Maori representation,” says Cr Morrissey.

The council may resolve to change the electoral system, and any changes to the electoral system will impact on the next two successive triennial elections. Legislative measures require the council to make a decision by August 13 this year.

Once a decision has been made on the electoral system and Maori representation, the Project Team will focus on stage two which includes recommendations around the number of councillors and whether they are elected at the district or ward level or a combination of both and whether there should be communities and community boards, the nature of the community and the structure of the community board.