Speak up on how you want to be represented in the Western Bay

Did you know the Western Bay has 11 councillors and a mayor? Or that there are five community boards?

Whether a representation rookie or representation royalty, here’s your chance to assess if Western Bay of Plenty District Council's current representation arrangements fit or need a change – through its ‘Do You Know: Representation Review Edition, Kei te mōhio koe: Te Putanga Arotake Whakaata’.

“Representation lies at the heart of a thriving democracy and community, ensuring that the voices of everyone are heard, considered, and represented in decision-making processes,” explains Western Bay Mayor James Denyer.

Councils are required to review their representation arrangements every six years to ensure that we have effective and fair representation for the community. It includes things like where the boundaries of our District’s voting wards go and the number of elected councillors that we have.

We last did a review in 2018 and our District has changed since then.

“Our community is evolving, and our representation arrangements need to keep pace,” says Mayor James.

Population estimates, according to Stats NZ, show nearly 12,000 newcomers to the Western Bay – from 48,960 in June 2017 to 60,770 in June 2023 – since the 2018 Representation Review. This includes the general electoral population increasing from 43,000 to 53,500 and the Māori electoral population increasing from 5960 to 7240. The District is also becoming increasingly diverse.

So, it’s now time to review our representation arrangements again and we’re keen to hear your feedback.

This means checking in with you about:

• The total number of councillors for the District and the way in which they are elected – this could be ‘at large’ (by everyone) or by ward (only people living in a ward can vote for a particular candidate).
• The boundaries of wards, as well as the number of Māori wards, our District should have.
• Whether we should keep community boards, how many there should be, what their boundaries are or should we try something different.

As part of the Representation Review process Council has already decided that the First Past the Post electoral system will be used for the 2025 and 2028 local body elections.

It also decided to establish Māori wards for the 2025 local body election. This means that for the first time Council’s representation arrangements will include a Māori ward or wards.

Following this community kōrero, Council will develop a draft proposal and check in with the community one more time later this year, July-August, before adopting the final arrangements.

Any changes will be in place for the next Western Bay of Plenty District Council election in 2025.

What are our current representation arrangements?

• Western Bay has a mayor who is elected by the whole of the District i.e. ‘at large’.
• Western Bay currently has 11 councillors who are elected from three different general wards.
  • Katikati-Waihī Beach ward: three councillors
  • Kaimai ward: four councillors
  • Maketu-Te Puke ward: four councillors
• We also have five community boards each with four members and two councillors.
  • Waihī Beach Community Board
  • Katikati Community Board
  • Ōmokoroa Community Board
  • Te Puke Community Board
  • Maketu Community Board

How to join the kōrero

You can give feedback via the following options:

• Online, wānanga ipurangi - head to the Have Your Say web page – yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/rep-review-2024
• Hard copy, pepa mārō – printed feedback forms are available at all council library and service centres.
• Email, īmēra – email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz
• Community conversation, Kōrero ā-hāpori – come see us at the following community events:
  • Ōmokoroa Night Markets: Friday 15 March, Ōmokoroa Domain, 5-9pm
  • Waihī Beach Sunday Market: Sunday 17 March, Wilson Park, 9am-1pm
  • Te Puke/Maketu Community Group Workshop: Monday 8 April, Te Puke War Memorial Hall, 7-9pm
  • Kaimai Community Group Workshop: Wednesday 10 April, Oropi Hall, 7-9pm
  • Katikati Town and Country Market: Saturday 13 April, Katikati War Memorial Hall, 9am-1pm

Feedback closes 5pm Monday 15 April 2024.