KEY POINTS:
Dunedin needs a 'super ward' to replace the present electoral ward system, and should dump or modify the single transferable vote system (STV), many city councillors believe.
A review of the ward system must take place within the next two years, and there appears to be little support for a system where voters can choose from a limited number of candidates in their ward.
The only poll in which all voters have a say is the mayoral race.
The city is split into six wards, three in rural areas and three in the city.
It is the city wards councillors believe should be amalgamated.
The council is required to do a representation review of its wards by September 2009, Local Government Commission senior policy analyst Gavin Beattie said yesterday. The council makes the decision, but if it is appealed, the commission becomes the final arbiter.
That situation occurred in the late 1990s, when a metro ward was proposed, but overturned by the commission after an appeal.
The city is covered by the Cargill, Hills and South Dunedin wards, while rural areas are covered by the Green Island-Saddle Hill, Mosgiel-Taieri and Waikouaiti Coast-Chalmers wards.
Mayor Peter Chin said the situation had to be looked at, and it made a 'great deal of sense' to consider a super ward.
There was a counter argument, though, that smaller wards allowed communities to get to know their councillors better.
Cr John Bezett said wards were supposed to be areas with similarities of interest.
While that could be said of areas like the Otago Peninsula or the Taieri, it could not be said of the various city wards, which he said had arbitrary boundaries.
'There are no issues in the South Dunedin, Cargill or Hills wards that are different from any other part of the city.'
Cr Bill Acklin said he felt for people in wards where only one councillor was required, and he supported a super ward for the city areas. That may mean changes to community boards, and possibly board representatives on the council.
Cr Richard Walls said a citywide ward would allow a more robust debate during elections, and could provide more defined roles for community boards.
Most councillors spoken to said the STV voting system was too complex, and Cr Walls favoured a more straightforward system used in Australia.
Mr Beattie said Dunedin had committed to two STV elections, the second one just completed. The council could make a resolution to change the system, but people could demand a poll, and that would decide the outcome.
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
