Review of Representation Arrangements for the 2022 and 2025 Local Authority Elections
On 30 June 2021 Council reviewed its representation arrangements for the 2022 and 2025 local authority elections and resolved to continue the existing ward structure of North and South General Wards with four members each and a Mayor elected at large. It is also agreed by way of increasing the size of Council to provide one Maori Ward for the district with one member. Existing community boards for Dannevirke and Eketāhuna each with four elected members and one Council appointed member also continue on the existing basis.
Submissions can be made on any part of the representation arrangements proposal, and close on Tuesday 31 August 2021 at 12 noon.
Council Representation
- Two general wards (North and South) with four members each and a Mayor elected at large.
- One Maori Ward (Tāmaki nui-a-Rua) covering both the North and South general Wards with one member elected from those areas.
- The two general wards reflect the following identified communities of interest:
North Tararua General Ward
Dannevirke and the surrounding rural areas, including Norsewood, Ormondville, Weber, Herbertville, Pongaroa and Ākitio.
South Tararua General Ward
Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketāhuna and the surrounding rural areas, including Mangatainoka, Makuri, Tiraumea and Alfredton.
Population Each Member Will Represent
| Ward | Population (2020 estimate) | Members | Population Per Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Tararua | 8,390 | 4 | 2,098 |
| South Tararua | 7,650 | 4 | 1,913 |
| TOTAL | 16,040 | 8 | 2,005 |
These population ratios fall within the range of 2,005 (1,804 to 2,206) in respect of the +/- 10% rule of the Local Electoral Act 2001.
Tāmaki nui-a-Rua Maori Ward
The 2020 population estimates for the Maori Ward comprise 2,850 for the district, (being 1,900 in the North Tararua Ward and 950 in the South Tararua Ward). Based on the process set out in the Local Electoral Act 2001 this provides for the establishment of a Maori Ward for the district able to elect one member to Council.
The Council considers these ward arrangements for its representation based on the above are adopted to apply for the following reasons:
- That the two General Wards (eight councillors) and one Maori Ward (one councillor) system provides a fair system of representation for the Tararua District and its communities.
- That the communities of interest in the context of the Tararua District are effectively represented through these ward boundaries and consider the distinct outlying rural areas that are isolated.
- That the ward boundaries coincide with boundaries of mesh blocks and community boundaries so far as is practicable.
- That any alterations to change ward boundaries also has the potential to move voters into areas which they have no affinity.
- That the Maori community have made representations to Council requesting the option of a Maori Ward be provided as part of the district’s representation arrangements.
Community Board Representation
- Two community boards (Dannevirke and Eketāhuna) each with four elected members and one Council appointed member
- The two community boards reflect the following identified communities of interest, and will not be subdivided for electoral purposes:
Dannevirke Community Board
Dannevirke and the surrounding rural areas, including Norsewood, Ormondville, Weber, Herbertville, Pongaroa and Ākitio.
Eketāhuna Community Board
Eketāhuna and the surrounding rural areas, including Tiraumea, Alfredton, Hamua, Hukanui, Nireaha, Rongomai, Putara, Rongokako, Kaiparoro and Newman.
Further Information
Copies of the Council's resolution and maps setting out the areas of the proposed wards and communities may be viewed and obtained from any of its Service Centres.
Minutes for 30 June 2021 - Review of Representation Arrangements | Tararua District Council
Any queries regarding the Council's decision should be directed to the Manager - Democracy Services, Richard Taylor.
Submissions Are Invited
Persons with an interest in the proposed representation arrangements are invited to make written submissions on the Council's representation proposal. If you make a submission the opportunity is available to present your comments in person to the Council at a meeting held for this purpose, and you should include this request on your submission. The date for hearing submissions is Wednesday 15 September 2021.
Submissions are to be forwarded to the Manager - Democracy Services, Tararua District Council, P O Box 115, Dannevirke, email info@tararuadc.govt.nz and close on Tuesday 31 August at 12 noon.
Advisory Note
It is noted (that while not forming part of this representation review) the cost of increasing the size of Council from eight to nine members as district councillors plus the Mayor does not result in additional remuneration costs.
This is as a result of the cost of councillors remuneration being provided from the pool determined by the Remuneration Authority for that purpose, and the maximum amount of that pool being then divided between nine members as opposed to eight as currently applies (with the Mayor’s remuneration not included as this is determined separately by the Remuneration Authority).