Council launches consultation on initial proposal for representation

Clutha District Council is seeking further feedback about its representation arrangements, a statutory requirement undertaken every six years.

This review offered both Council and the community an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of Clutha’s current representation structure, including the number of councillors, election methods, community boards, and ward boundaries.

Mayor Bryan Cadogan says “the proposal fulfils all the fundamentals expected like communities of interest, a ‘go to’ council and will bring about the much-needed change required to meet new and ever changing demands.”

Following initial feedback, Council has formulated a preliminary proposal, which is now open for formal public consultation in preparation for the October 2025 elections.

Mayor Cadogan said the proposal included significant changes from how Clutha was represented previously including proposing to reduce the number of councillors from 14 to nine.

“While no Councillor does this job for the money, under the present structure unless you have your own money you can’t do the job.”

He said the demands on being a Councillor compared to five years ago, the entire organisation had grown significantly and evolved, however Clutha’s political structure had not changed.

“It is the equivalent of a .5 of a full-time job to be a Councillor and requires a commitment of up to three days a week.”

Mayor Cadogan said by reducing the number of councillors it would increase the total salary paid to each Councillor but at no extra cost to ratepayers because the remuneration pool remains the same.

“Councillors with full time jobs end up sacrificing their annual leave and resort to taking leave without pay to fulfil their commitments as a councillor and in some cases employers are reluctant to employ councillors because of the additional time commitments involved in doing their civic duty.”

He also pointed out that at the last election Clutha struggled to attract people to stand for their communities and in some cases, it was looking like there could be un-contested seats.

"This review is an opportunity to reshape our political structure to better serve Clutha's diverse population. Concerningly the present structure actually excludes a large percentage of our population.

“We need to ensure that all voices are heard and represented. It's time for more young people to get involved, more females, and more diversity. The status quo isn't serving our community's evolving needs."

He invited all residents to participate in this important discussion and provide their feedback.

Copies of the initial proposal, detailed maps outlining proposed ward boundaries and community board areas, as well as hardcopy consultation forms are available from Council offices, local community libraries, and the Clutha i-site Visitor Information Centre.

For more information and to participate in the consultation visit www.cluthadc.govt.nz/representation-review.

Consultation will close on 2 September 2024.