Community to have say on Representation Review

Hamilton residents have the chance to voice their opinions on a proposed change to how the community is represented on the city’s council.

Hamilton’s Electoral Officer Anthony Dick says the Local Electoral Act 2001 requires all councils to review how their communities are represented every six years. The Representation Review is separate to recent proposals by the Government to reform local government.

At its meeting on July 5, Hamilton City Council voted 6-5 in favour of a proposal which, if adopted, would see a change to the city’s representation.
The Representation Review proposal includes:
-  removal of the city’s East and West electoral wards
-  a reduction in the number of Councillors from 12 to 10 Councillors, plus the Mayor
-  Election of Councillors ‘at large’ (city-wide), in the same way the city elects the Mayor

Mr Dick says a public submission process begins on Wednesday, 11 July, during which Hamilton residents can offer their views on the proposal. Residents can make submissions through the www.hamilton.co.nz/haveyoursay webpage, or write directly to Mr Dick at Hamilton City Council, Private Bag 3010, Hamilton.

The public submission period will close on Monday, 13 August.  By the end of August, Council must make public a final proposal, with a Council decision on the future electoral structure to be made by 27 September.