Eighteen submissions received on representation review
Environment Southland councillors will hear from community members this week in the next phase of its representation review.
The initial proposal was available for public consultation from 19 July to 19 August and attracted 18 submissions, seven of which will speak at a hearing on Wednesday 28 August.
Environment Southland’s chief executive Wilma Falconer said the proposal recommended largely retaining the existing arrangements, with 12 councillors representing six constituencies, but with minor changes to some constituency boundaries.
“Input from the community on these matters is incredibly valuable and we appreciate those who took the time to share their views through the submission process,” Wilma Falconer said.
“Submitters had clearly given a lot of thought to the way they’re represented, and whether they consider it’s still fair and effective.”
Key themes from the submissions include the balance between rural and urban representation, alignment of communities of interest, shared services cost savings.
Every six years, all councils are required to review their representation arrangements, including how many councillors there are and the areas they represent.
The initial proposal suggested boundary changes impacting the Eastern-Dome, Hokonui and Western constituencies, but would ensure our constituencies better align with the Southland District Council ward boundaries.
The current arrangements have been in place since 2007 and were re-affirmed in 2013 and 2019 as the most effective way of providing representation for Southland’s communities.
Following the hearing, council will deliberate on Wednesday 4 September before making a final decision.
A final proposal will be considered by the council later in September, following which there will be a one-month appeals/objections period.
The Local Government Commission will determine the arrangements by April 2025, and they will take effect for the local government elections in October 2025.
Both the hearing and the deliberation sessions will be live-streamed on Environment Southland’s website – www.es.govt.nz/live-stream
More information about the representation review and the initial proposal is available on the Environment Southland website at www.es.govt.nz/repreview2024
ENDS
For more information, contact the communications team on 0800 76 88 45 or email communications@es.govt.nz
Seven submitters have asked to be heard. These submitters have been scheduled to present their submissions to the Council on Wednesday 28 August.
