Community input sought on council representation

Rotorua's council wants members of the community to join a working party to help decide how the council is elected.

Rotorua Lakes Council is on the lookout for three people interested in representing the wider community on a working party to review council representation arrangements ahead of the next local government elections in 2016.

The review is a requirement of the Local Electoral Act and has to be undertaken by councils every six years.

This year's review will look at matters such as the number of councillors to be elected, whether or not there should be community boards, and whether councillors should be elected by wards, 'at large,' or by a combination of both.

The review will not consider Maori wards as the council has already resolved not to introduce Maori wards for the next election, and it will not impact on a separate council process to consult on a Te Arawa partnership model proposal.

The working party, to be chaired by councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, will comprise six members in total, including councillors Tania Tapsell and Charles Sturt and three independent community members.

Mrs Raukawa-Tait said the working party would lead an active community engagement process for the review over the next few months.

"We're looking for people interested in contributing to this important review for their community, and who are prepared to donate their time to what is a critical component of local government democracy.

"As a working party we'll be engaging with residents to hear their different perspectives, assessing the community feedback we receive, researching what's happening elsewhere, then making recommendations for the council to consider.

"Ultimately the mayor and councillors will need to formally decide on the final representation arrangements that will apply for the 2016 and 2019 local government elections," she said.

Anyone interested in being considered for a place on the Representation Review Working party can submit an expression of interest by sending the council a single typed page setting out their experience and relevant background, outlining why they believe they would be suitable for the working party, and providing their contact details.

Expressions of interest close on March 4, and can be delivered or posted to Rotorua Lakes Council, marked for the attention of Rick Dunn, or emailed to rick.dunn@rdc.govt.nz. More information is available from the council on (07) 348 4199.