Aucklanders have one week left to give feedback on Auckland Council representation before consultation closes at 4pm on Thursday 8 August.
So far, 672 submissions have been received since public consultation started on 8 July.
Lou-Ann Ballantyne, General Manager of Governance and Engagement, says the overall response suggests many people have yet to provide their views.
She encourages Aucklanders who want more information to visit akhaveyoursay/represent to understand which areas are being considered for boundary, subdivision and representation changes to cater for growth and to better reflect communities of interest.
“We’re hearing that people want to understand whether representation for their community will change. I encourage you to look at the interactive map viewer, listen to the recorded webinars online and read the initial proposal document," she says.
“The consultation is a chance for Aucklanders to tell us what they like and don’t like about the changes being considered – we want to hear about any improvements that might be needed, by next Thursday.”
Once consultation closes, hearings are set to take place from 2-3 September for those who wish to speak to their submission. Local boards will also have the opportunity to provide feedback.
Councillor Julie Fairey says the review is a first step towards preparing for the 2025 elections.
“All Aucklanders deserve a chance to give input on the elected member structure we will all vote on in 2025. How your local council representatives are elected matters, and you can check who your current reps are using our helpful online tool, which also tells you your ward councillors. Search for Find your local board (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz).”
Once all feedback has been considered, the council will make any necessary changes and agree to a final proposal, which will be publicly notified in October.
The Local Government Commission will consider further objections or appeals to the final proposal, before deciding whether to approve it or make any further changes by April 2025.
Did you know...?
Auckland Council has two complementary decision-making parts, the Governing Body, and local boards:
- The Governing Body
The Governing Body looks after Auckland as a whole and takes care of regional matters that affect all of Auckland including regional strategies, policies and plans, bylaws, licensing and consent regulations, rates and local board funding, regional parks, rubbish and recycling.
- 21 Local Boards
Our 21 local boards look after local communities and take care of the matters that are important to their local communities like local board plans, local libraries, parks, local events. They also provide input into regional strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws. Each local board has between five and nine members representing their area.
What are wards?
Auckland is divided into 13 wards. Each area is represented by councillors on regional issues for Governing Body decisions. The size of each ward is determined by population and the communities within them. Each ward must be fairly represented – by having an appropriate number of councillors for the number of people living there. There are 20 ward councillors.
What are subdivisions?
Subdivisions are found in some local board areas. They help to ensure specific communities and all those people living within a local board area are adequately represented. Subdivisions are created by splitting the board area into smaller divisions that each have allocated representatives.
What changes are being proposed?
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adjustments to central Auckland ward boundaries
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North Shore Ward is being extended
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two new subdivisions to Rodney Local Board
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splitting Botany subdivision to provide better representation for Flat Bush
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exceptions to the fairness of representation rule for certain local boards
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minor changes to some local board boundaries.
You can find more detail in the initial proposal.
