Proposed changes for fairer representation and a Flat Bush subdivision for Howick Local Board have received overwhelming support with 86% of those consulted in Auckland Council's representation review in favour.
A total of 1,479 submissions came from the Howick area.
Due to significant population growth in Flat Bush, the Botany subdivision is now too crowded for its three-member team. To address this, the board suggests reducing Botany's representation to two members and creating a new subdivision for Flat Bush with three members.
Board Chair Damian Light emphasised the need for representative democracy to keep pace with the area’s growing population.
Feedback highlighted that the growth in Flat Bush and Botany subdivision becoming overpopulated, needs addressing.
“The rapid growth of Flat Bush has made the current Botany subdivision non-compliant with the Local Electoral Act, so changes are needed. Flat Bush, is a growing community with unique needs, requires its own recognition and representation, distinct from the more established Botany area.
"The community recognises this, and we’ve received valuable feedback through the consultation,” says Light.
The consultation asked for views on the proposed changes to the proposed Howick Local Board subdivision.
Light shares, “Results for this question show that 86% of locals and 79% of all Aucklanders supported the proposal. As our community grows, the proposed changes are crucial for keeping up with this expansion.
"They will enhance fair representation for both Botany subdivision and Flat Bush, ensuring these areas have a meaningful voice in our dynamic space.”
Additionally, 7% of local respondents and 5% of all Aucklanders were not supportive, while another 7% of local respondents and 16% of all Aucklanders remained uncertain or provided no opinion.
Those who do not support argue the proposal's expense and potential for worsening the current situation outweigh the benefits, fearing it could result in excessive board members and inadequate representation for their community.
Light adds, “We acknowledge that 11 members would make the Howick Local Board the largest in the city, but this matches up with having the largest population. With over 150,000 residents to represent, it’s important that we have enough elected representatives to listen and act on their behalf. Any alternative would mean less representation for our community which we don’t support.
"If the board expanded to 11 members, the ratio will adjust to 14,336 residents per member. This keep would keep us among the top four in Auckland for representation while ensuring we meet fair representation standards.”
The Auckland-wide ratio for local boards is 11,675 residents per member, with Howick currently at 17,522 residents per member, making it the highest in Auckland.
“We support a wider review of the governance arrangements for Auckland, including the number of elected representatives to ensure that they provide for fair and effective representation for all communities,” says Light.
The Howick Local Board area also includes Pakuranga, Howick, Botany, Dannemora, and East Tamaki.
The feedback from the consultation will now help shape the final proposal for changes in East Auckland.
In September 2024, the Governing Body will decide on the final proposal for how Aucklanders will be represented for the 2025 local elections.
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