Representation Review 2024: Initial Proposal
Kia ora, welcome to the Representation Review 2024: Initial Proposal project page. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about the project, including key changes we're proposing, frequently asked questions, and next steps. Check out the information on the right-hand side of this page for all this and more.
Public consultation on the Initial Representation Proposal (16 Sept - 11 Oct 2024): How do you want to be represented in local decision making?
This was the next stage in our community kōrero about how you want to be represented in local decision making. Earlier this year (15 May - 15 June 2024) we had asked what you thought about the number of councillors and the way they are elected, the boundaries of wards, the number of Māori ward councillors, and whether we should keep community boards (see previous consultation). Following on from this earlier feedback, Council decided on an initial Representation Review proposal (outlined below) which we received feedback on between 16 Sept - 11 Oct 2024.
Our initial representation proposal:
- Reduce the number of councillors to 10 (Mayor + 8 General Ward councillors + 1 Māori Ward councillor) from the current 12 (Mayor + 11 General Ward councillors)
- Keep our 3 general wards (Katikati-Waihi Beach, Kaimai, and Maketu-Te Puke), but adjust ward boundaries so your councillors each represent about the same number of people in our community
- Keep our existing five community boards and adjust three of our community board boundaries to better align with these communities of interest
- Waihī Beach
- Katikati (see map of proposed boundary adjustment with street detail, as well as map showing existing and proposed boundaries)
- Ōmokoroa
- Te Puke (see map of proposed boundary adjustment with street detail, as well as map showing existing and proposed boundaries)
- Maketu (see map with minor boundary adjustment)
(Want to see more detail on the above, including what other options were considered, and our current arrangements? See our Proposal document, or Frequently Asked Questions).
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 – an increase 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.
Who we are as a community continues to change, so the way you are represented in local decision making needs to evolve too. It's crucial that the make-up of Council seats reflects who we are now, not who we were.
What happens from here?
Following this community kōrero, we will hear any public submissions on 17 October 2024, then your feedback will help Council to consider the final proposal.
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? Contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732), or email us at haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz.
Our Privacy Statement: All submissions (including names and contact details) may be provided in full to elected members. Submissions (including names but not contact details) may be made available to the public at our office and on our website. Your personal information may also be used for the administration of the consultation process, including informing you of the outcome of the consultation. All information collected will be held by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, 1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3112 with submitters having the right to access and correct personal information.