Appeal period opens for Western Bay representation proposal

Thursday 4 October 2018

Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Representation Review proposal that was formally adopted last month opens for public appeals and objections on Thursday, 4 October.

Council's final proposal is proposing a mix of community boards and ward councillor committees for the 2019 and 2022 triennial elections.

The appeal/objection period is from today (4 October) to Monday, 5 November 2018.

Appeals and objections can be submitted online on Council's website at https://haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/finalproposal

The final proposal followed a comprehensive consultation and engagement process to gain better understanding of the Western Bay community's views on fair and effective representation, and communities of interest.

If a person who made a submission on the initial proposal is not satisfied with Council's amended proposal they can appeal against it.

However if a person did not make a submission to the initial proposal but does not agree with the outcome, they can make an objection to it.

If Council receives an appeal/objection it must refer the whole representation review to the Local Government Commission no later than 15 January 2019.

The Commission has a quasi-judicial role to determine the best representation arrangements for the Western Bay or any other local authority whose proposal goes to review.

The Commission takes into account Council's decision, submissions, appeals and objections. It must issue its decision no later than 10 April 2019.

A Commission decision can be appealed to the High Court on a point of law.

Ends