One week left for Representation Review submissions

Hamilton residents have one week left to share their view on a proposal which would result in a change to the way the community is represented on Hamilton City Council.

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

Electoral Officer Anthony Dick says residents must have submissions on the proposal in by Monday, 13 August.

“We really want to hear people’s views on this proposal, and there are two ways you can make a submission: either online, at www.hamiton.co.nz/haveyoursay or in writing,” says Mr Dick.

“This is an important part of the democratic process, and the public’s views count.”

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.