Do You Know: Representation Review Edition Kei te mōhio koe: Te Putanga Arotake Whakaata

Thanks for your feedback! You can see a summary of your feedback here.

Council has now decided on an initial representation proposal. If you would like to have your say on this proposal, click here.

Our previous consultation which ran from 15 May - 15 June 2024:

Did you know the Western Bay has 11 councillors and a mayor? Or that there are five community boards?

Whether a representation rookie or representation royalty, here’s your chance to assess if Western Bay of Plenty District Council's current representation arrangements fit or need a change.

We've got plenty of ways to join the kōrero - come see us at one of the community events we'll be at or take our quick and easy survey (below) that allows you to pick and choose what you want to provide feedback on.

Why are we having this kōrero?

Councils are required to review their representation arrangements every six years to ensure that we have effective and fair representation for the community. It includes things like where the boundaries of our District’s voting wards go and the number of elected councillors that we have.

We last did this in 2018 and our District has changed since then.

Population estimates show nearly 12,000 newcomers to the Western Bay – from 48,960 in June 2017 to 60,770 in June 2023 – since the 2018 Representation Review. This includes the general electoral population increasing from 43,000 to 53,500 and the Māori electoral population increasing from 5960 to 7240. The District is also becoming increasingly diverse.

What are our current representation arrangements?  

Western Bay has a mayor who is elected by the whole of the District i.e. ‘at large’.

Western Bay currently has 11 councillors who are elected from three different general wards.

• Katikati-Waihī Beach ward: three councillors
• Kaimai ward: four councillors
• Maketu-Te Puke ward: four councillors

We also have five community boards each with four members and two councillors.

1. Waihī Beach Community Board
2. Katikati Community Board
3. Ōmokoroa Community Board
4. Te Puke Community Board
5. Maketu Community Board

What has already been decided?

As part of the Representation Review process Council has already decided that the First Past the Post electoral system will be used for the 2025 and 2028 local body elections.

It also decided to establish Māori wards for the 2025 local body election. This means that for the first time Council’s representation arrangements will include a Māori ward or wards.

What happens from here?

Following this community kōrero, Council will develop a draft proposal and check in with the community one more time later this year, July-August, before adopting the final arrangements.

Any changes will be in place for the next Western Bay of Plenty District Council election in 2025.

Have further pātai, want to give feedback in person or talk to someone?

If you would rather give feedback in person, you can fill in a feedback form at any of our Library and Service Centres across the District.

You can also come and talk to our team at the following community events:

• Ōmokoroa Night Markets: Friday 15 March, Ōmokoroa Domain, 5-9pm
• Waihī Beach Sunday Market: Sunday 17 March, Wilson Park, 9am-1pm
• Te Puke/Maketu Community Group Workshop: Monday 8 April, Te Puke War Memorial Hall, 7-9pm
• Kaimai Community Group Workshop: Wednesday 10 April, Oropi Hall, 7-9pm
• Katikati Town and Country Market: Saturday 13 April, Katikati War Memorial Hall, 9am-1pm

Otherwise, you can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732) or email us at haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz.