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Last modified: 12 Aug 2024 3:44pm

representation review tile

People in Waikirikiri Selwyn have a chance to say how they would like to be represented by the Selwyn District Council at the next local body elections, with consultation on the district’s representation model now open until Thursday 12 September.

The Council has approved an initial proposal that includes a reduction in the number of councillors from 10 to eight, slight adjustments to the four electoral ward boundaries, new names for the wards, and no community boards.

Deputy Mayor Malcolm Lyall says the Council wants to hear from as many people as possible about the proposal, as the resulting arrangements will be what is in place at the 2025 elections.

“We have done extensive research and preliminary consultation as part of our representation review to arrive at this proposal, but we need our community to have their say so that we can be sure we have got it right.”

“Our population growth in recent years hasn’t been uniform, and we now have an uneven number of people represented by each councillor. This review is an opportunity to set this right, and ensure we continue to have fair and effective representation in the years ahead.”

It is proposed that the eight district councillors would represent around 10,155 people each, with Malvern and Ellesmere wards having one councillor each, and three councillors each for Rolleston and Springs wards.

Additionally, West Melton would move from the Malvern Ward to Springs, while Burnham and the Burnham Military Camp would join Rolleston Ward.

There would be no community boards to elect under the proposal, meaning the disestablishment of the Malvern Community Board.

map showing existing rep review

map of proposed rep review map

The ward names would also undergo name changes, with local rūnaka gifting names that reflect the area’s history and landmarks. The proposed names are Tawera Malvern, Kā Mānia Rolleston, Te Waihora Ellesmere, and Kā Puna Springs.

The Council’s representation review is being done in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001, which requires all councils to review their arrangements at least once every six years. The Council conducts more frequent reviews than the minimum amount to account for the district’s fast-growing population. The last review was in 2021.

Councillors and staff will be visiting Council libraries and service centres in Darfield, Lincoln, Leeston and Rolleston throughout the consultation where people can ask questions and find help with making a submission.

The library and service centre schedule as well as the Representation Review consultation document, feedback form and related information can be found on the Council website www.selwyn.govt.nz/repreview.