Feedback sought on community's representation on Council

Hamilton City Council is about to review the way its community is represented, and is kick-starting the process by asking for residents’ views.

Under the Local Electoral Act, once every six years all Councils must review how their communities are represented, says Hamilton’s Electoral Officer Anthony Dick. It allows electors to offer their views on how the elected wing of Council is comprised, how many Councillors are elected, and whether any changes should be made.

“We’re starting the process with an informal feedback period when residents can offer views. Those views will contribute to the formal proposal Council releases later this year,” Mr Dick says. “We need your comments by 1 June.”

Hamilton is currently divided into East and West wards, each with six Councillors. The two wards mirror the city’s Parliamentary seats, and are divided by the Waikato River. The Mayor is elected by voters from both wards. The city has no Community Boards.

Mr Dick says electors who wish to offer their opinion should consider how many Councillors should represent the community (less or more, or the same); whether Councillors should be voted for by ward, or “citywide”, or a mix of the two; and whether we should have Community Boards.

“It’s important residents keep in mind this is an informal first step in the process, and no decisions have been made. We will begin a formal process in July, and residents will have one month to make a submission.”

By the end of August, Council will have an initial proposal outlining representation for the city.

Residents can post their views in the Representation Review forum at http://getinvolved.hcc.govt.nz/hamiltonrepresentation.

Residents without access to the internet can write to Mr Dick, Hamilton City Council, Private Bag 3010, Hamilton 3240.

Members of Hamilton’s Citizens Panel have also been asked for their views.