Representation Review Recap
- Required under the Local Electoral Act 2001 every six years.
- Determines:
- Number of electoral constituencies.
- Boundaries and names of constituencies.
- Number of elected members.
- ORC last reviewed its representation in 2018/19.
- New arrangements will apply to 2025 and 2028 local elections.
Statutory Timeline
- 20 Dec 2023: Earliest date to resolve Initial Proposal.
- 31 July 2024: Deadline for Initial Proposal.
- 8 August 2024: Notification of Initial Proposal – Open consultation.
- 8 September 2024: Public submissions close.
- 3 November 2024: Last date for Final Proposal.
- 10 April 2025: If appealed, Local Government Commission decision.
Otago’s Steps to Date
- Voting system: Single Transferable Vote (STV) will apply in 2025 and 2028.
- Māori representation: No decision on establishing a Māori ward.
Current Representation Arrangements
- ORC currently has 12 councillors from four constituencies:
- Dunstan (3)
- Moeraki (1)
- Molyneux (2)
- Dunedin (6)
- Population growth since 2018: 30,400 increase (11.9%).
- Dunstan saw the most growth (27.2% increase).
Key Issues for Discussion
- Constituency Boundaries
- Number of Councillors
- Fair Representation: Ensuring all votes have equal value (+/-10% rule).
- Communities of Interest:
- Geographical, economic, and demographic factors.
- Alignment with territorial authority boundaries.
Representation Options Considered
Option 1: Status quo (adjust councillor allocation but keep existing boundaries).
Option 2: Increase councillors to 13, keeping current boundaries.
Option 3: Create a new Whakatipu constituency (Queenstown/Arrowtown only).
Option 4: Create a new Whakatipu constituency and increase councillors to 13.
Option 5: Create a new Upper Lakes constituency (QLDC + Cromwell).
Option 6: Create a new Upper Lakes constituency with 13 councillors.
Next Steps
- April 2024: Additional workshop if needed.
- 20 May 2024: Initial proposal decision.
- June-July 2024: Consultation, submissions, and hearings.
- 2025: Potential interim review if rapid population growth continues.
