District representation under Review spotlight

How the Hurunui District is represented will largely remain unchanged, following an Extraordinary Council meeting held this week in the Chambers to deliberate on submissions received on Council’s Initial Proposal for the Representation Review.

Council confirmed the makeup of Wards and number of elected members for the Hurunui District. It was unanimously agreed to retain the status quo of three wards being the South Ward, West Ward and East Ward represented by one mayor and 10 councillors, and the Hanmer Springs Community Board.

The proposal for how the South Ward will be represented was adopted as part of the Final Proposal. By majority vote, the decision for a South Ward Community Board was made, consisting of five South Ward elected at large Board members, and four South Ward Councillors.

Hurunui residents and ratepayers had from 25 March to 8 May to put forward their thoughts on the proposed Representation Review, whereby 21 submissions were received which included a range of views about the Proposed South Ward Community Board.

Mayor Black said their job now is to ensure that the best voices are around the table to represent the South Ward.

“Community feedback is always really important, and I would like to acknowledge our community for that.”

Mayor Black acknowledged the thorough work of her fellow councillors, for their careful consideration and evaluation of all the information received during this comprehensive Review.

She added that special acknowledgment must be made to the South Ward Community Committee for the many years of service to its community.

“I am grateful that the democratic process has been upheld with integrity, and our District’s members have voiced their opinions to consider what system best represents their needs.”

As part of the statutory process, the Final Proposal will be publicly notified.