Auckland Council's representation review needs your voice East Auckland! There are some proposed yet significant local changes, to ensure there is fair and effective representation at next year's elections.
The Howick Local Board is proposing subdivision changes to better serve and reflect local communities.
Board chair Damian Light says, “Our representative democracy must adapt to our growing population. With elections coming up next year, it’s time for us to review the arrangements to ensure we’ve got it right.”
Due to substantial population growth in the Flat Bush area, the Botany subdivision of the board has become overpopulated for its current allocation of three members. Consequently, the board recommends reducing the size of the Botany subdivision to two members and establishing a new subdivision specifically for Flat Bush, which would be represented by three members.
A representation review ensures that each councillor or local board member represents a similar number of people, promoting fairness and equal voice in the communities.
“Our city isn’t growing at the same pace, so the review makes sure that each councillor and local board member represents a similar number of people to their colleagues. The current arrangements mean locals from Botany and Flat Bush are underrepresented in decisions made about their area - we must address this,” says Light.
The representation review asks the following key question:
What is your opinion of the proposed changes to Howick Local Board subdivision?
East Aucklanders can take part by visiting akhaveyoursay.nz/represent and have until 4pm, Thursday 8 August to give feedback.
Light concludes, “The public must have trust in our democracy so it’s vital that locals have their say on how they’re represented.”
People can see exactly where the designated boundaries are and can zoom in using the interactive map viewer, available here.
The total number of members on the Howick Local Board will increase from nine to eleven.
Learn more by:
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Watch an information webinar
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online at nz/represent
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phone 09 301 0101
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or visit your local library with council services.
Auckland Council holds local elections every three years. To ensure we have fair and effective representation at these elections, we must review our representation arrangements every six years.
A representation review looks at:
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how many councillors we should have
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how councillors should be elected
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if councillors should be elected from their wards or across the whole of Auckland
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the names and boundaries of wards and local boards.
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