Submissions
On 27 June 2024, Hauraki District Council considered the submissions received on its initial proposal regarding the representation arrangements for the Council to apply for at least the 2025 triennial local authority elections.
The Council received 82 submissions on its initial proposal, being:
- 26 submissions (or 32%) in support of the initial proposal; and
- 56 submissions (or 68%) opposed to the initial proposal.
Those who supported the initial proposal identified the following:
- It may encourage younger and more diverse councillors.
- It will significantly improve communication.
Those who opposed the initial proposal identified the following issues:
- Plains General Ward requires four councillors – three councillors are insufficient for the large geographical area;
- Fewer councillors will not lead to greater diversity or more effective representation;
- It is not a fair expectation for three councillors to meet the welfare and interests of seven widespread communities;
- Pekapeka and Hauraki Roads are part of the Kerepeehi community – we are Plains people;
- Connection is with the Plains, not Paeroa;
- Change of boundary will increase rates for Plains rural residents;
- The rezoning will affect businesses in the township;
- Property will be split between two wards;
- Funding for the Plains could be lost;
- Rates and overheads would increase;
- Chose to live in the Plains, not Paeroa;
- The Paeroa general population growth could be considerably more than the Plains;
- Retain the status quo – allow time and governance to get things on track.
Final Proposal
Having considered all of the submissions, Council resolved on 27 June 2024 to amend its initial proposal to the following final proposal for at least the 2025 triennial local authority elections:
(i) Hauraki District Council to comprise the mayor elected at large and 13 councillors elected under the ward system, specifically 11 general ward councillors and two Māori ward councillors;
(ii) Hauraki District Council be divided into four wards, these being:
- Plains General Ward (four councillors) being the existing ward comprising the area delineated on LGC-012-2013-W-2 deposited with the Local Government Commission;
- Paeroa General Ward (three councillors) being the existing ward comprising the area delineated on SO Plan 57980 deposited with Land Information New Zealand;
- Waihi Ward (four councillors), being the existing ward comprising the area delineated on SO Plan 57979 deposited with Land Information New Zealand;
- Te Pakikau o te Ika Māori Ward (two councillors), comprising the whole area of the district as delineated on Plan LG-012-2013-W-1 deposited with the Local Government Commission.
(iii) no community boards be established;
(iv) In accordance with section 19K(2) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, the reasons for the proposed changes to the initial proposal are –
- four councillors for the Plains General Ward better reflects a greater number of communities, geographical distance and consequential workload;
- the majority of submissions supported the current number of councillors for the Plains General Ward (4) and no boundary change.
(v) The three general wards, the number of councillors per ward, the ward populations (estimated at 30 June 2023) and the population ratio per councillor are as follows:
Ward
| Population
| Councillors
| Average
| % Variation
|
---|
Plains General
| 6,380
| 4
| 1,595
| -8.33%
|
Paeroa General
| 5,430
| 3
| 1,810
| 4.02%
|
Waihi General
| 7,330
| 4
| 1,833
| 5.34%
|
(vi) In accordance with section 19V(2) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, the population that each general ward councillor represents must be within the population range of 1,740 +/- 10% (1,566 – 1,914). The number of Māori ward councillors complies with Schedule 1A of the Local Electoral Act 2001.
Appeals and objections
Any person who has made a submission on Council’s initial proposal may lodge an appeal against the Council’s decision. An appeal must relate to the matters raised in that person’s submission.
Any person may lodge an objection against the Council’s decision. An objection must specify the matters to which the objection relates.
Appeal/Objection forms, which are available at Council offices and from the Council website: www.hauraki-dc.govt.nz should state your name, address, telephone number and email address (if you have one) and should reach the Council no later than 4.30pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
Appeals or objections sent by post should be addressed to: John McIver, Community Growth Manager, Hauraki District Council, 1 William Street, Paeroa, or PO Box 17, Paeroa 3640. Appeals or objections can also be sent by email to info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz
For more information, see the consultation pages on our website: letstalk.hauraki-dc.govt.nz
5 July 2024
Langley Cavers,
Chief Executive
Hauraki District Council
Appeal/Objection Form