Māu e whiriwhiri – Te Arotake Whakaahuahanga 2022
Māu e whiriwhiri – Te Arotake Whakaahuahanga 2022
Your Choice - 2022 Representation Review
Have your say on Rotorua Lakes Council’s draft proposal for representation arrangements between 8 September and 8 October.
The representation arrangements decided on will apply to the 2022 and 2025 local elections.
What is a Representation Review?
In order to ensure councils continue to provide fair and effective representation for individuals and communities, they’re required by law (the Local Electoral Act 2001), to review their elected representation arrangements at least every six years.
A Representation Review ensures Council is fairly and effectively representing and balancing the needs and interests of the entire community.
The draft proposal
A mixed model membership structure with 1 Mayor and 10 councillor seats.
The proposed structure is:
- 1 Mayor elected at large
- 1 Māori Ward with 2 seats (called Te Ipu Wai Taketake)
- 1 General Ward with 4 seats (called Te Ipu Wai Auraki)
- 4 “at large” seats
- A Rotorua Lakes Community Board (4 elected members and 1 appointed councillor)
- A Rural Community Board (4 elected members and 1 appointed councillor)
What does this mean for voters?
If you’re enrolled on the Māori electoral roll, you can vote for the 2 Māori Ward seats, the 4 “at large” seats, and the Mayor. (7 votes in total).
If you’re enrolled on the General electoral roll, you can vote for the 4 General Ward seats, the 4 “at large” seats, and the Mayor. (9 votes in total).
Māori Wards and seats
In May 2021, Council resolved to introduce Māori Wards following feedback from Te Tatau o te Arawa which undertook consultation with Te Arawa people, communities and entities, seeking feedback on the opportunity for Māori Wards. Feedback supported the establishment of a Māori Ward and this decision cannot be changed through the representation review.
The structure and form of Māori representation was subsequently considered by Council and Te Tatau o te Arawa on behalf of iwi. The establishment of one district-wide Māori Ward was determined as the best option for representation of Māori across our district at this time.
Why a mixed model arrangement?
Establishing a Māori Ward automatically creates a ward based model. With the preferred 10 councillors, this means a Māori Ward and a General Ward. This creates a significantly disproportionate number of the total votes shared between General and Māori electors. Under this model, those on the Māori electoral roll cannot have any say in the election of the majority of elected members. Accordingly, they will at best only be eligible to vote for a maximum of 28% of the total councillors sitting around the Council table. There may also be a perception that the Ward member may only represent their Ward. Consideration must also account for the proportion of the Māori population who are not on the Māori electoral roll. Rotorua’s Māori population is approximately 40%, however the electoral rules only provide for 28%.
Introducing an “at large” component into the model works to bring the proportion of votes between Māori and General votes closer to equilibrium. Everyone can vote for the “at large” seats regardless of electoral roll.
Community Boards
Community Boards in Rotorua create representation in sectors that are not able to be represented by way of a ward due to current electoral rules. Community Boards ensure the interests and needs of these areas are voiced within council and have proven very successful for Rotorua.
The draft proposal retains community boards for the lakes and rural communities. The structure and boundaries of the boards is also proposed to stay the same, being 1 chair, 3 members and one appointed councillor. The appointed councillor will come from either the Māori or General Ward.
Have your say
Visit rotorualakescouncil.nz/koreromai to read the full proposal, register for a webinar, and to have your say online.
In Alert Level 2, pick up a copy of the proposal and feedback form from Rotorua Lakes Council on Haupapa Street or from the Rotorua Library.
Public hearings are scheduled for 19 October. Please indicate on your feedback form if you would like to speak to your submission.
Council will take all feedback into consideration and make a final decision on its representation arrangements in November.