NPDC Proposes Existing Electoral Arrangements

Public submissions are being sought on New Plymouth District Council’s proposal to retain the existing electoral representation arrangements.

Tonight (Tuesday) the Council decided to keep the current number of councillors, wards and community boards, and to continue electing councillors by wards rather than district-wide (at large).

The proposal comes after an NRB telephone survey which showed a small preference for councillors to be elected through a mix of at large seats and ward seats.

“Forty per cent of respondents to the survey prefer a mixed at large/wards arrangement compared to 35 per cent who prefer the current ward system,” says Electoral Officer Barry Rollo.

“That’s a small percentage difference on which to recommend a change in the electoral arrangement, but this public submissions process will give everyone the chance to have their say on the type of arrangement they want for the district.”

Submissions can be sent in now, and close on 18 September. People can have their say through this website's consultation page, or pick up a submission form from Council offices, or send in their submissions by letter or by emailing enquiries@npdc.govt.nz.

Local authorities are required to review their representation arrangements at least every six years.

NRB’s telephone survey found that 64 percent of residents think the Council should be the same size as it is now. Thirty-one per cent say it should be smaller and two per cent feel it should be larger. (Six per cent did not comment.)

When asked how many wards there should be, 62 per cent preferred the current three-ward arrangement with 10 per cent preferring four wards, while a two-ward and five-ward arrangement each garnered eight per cent support.

The retention of community boards gained overwhelming support, with 82 per cent preferring that they stay. Seventy-three per cent of respondents want four community boards (as already exist), 13 per cent want three or fewer, and 11 per cent want five or more.

Currently NPDC comprises the Mayor, who must be elected at large, and 14 councillors who are elected from three wards: New Plymouth City (10 councillors), North (two councillors) and South-West (two councillors).

Electors may vote only for councillors standing in their ward, e.g. a person living in Inglewood can not vote for councillors in the New Plymouth City Ward.

There are also four community boards, each comprising four elected members and an appointed Councillor. The boards are Clifton, Inglewood, Kaitake and Waitara.

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