Community feedback sought on representation

A review of the way people are represented around the Waipā District Council table is about to get underway but first elected members want to hear the views of their communities.

Waipā District Council last undertook a representation review in 2021 in preparation for the 2022 elections.

Mayor Susan O’Regan said the focus of this review was to better understand how people want to be represented around the Council table, and if there was an opportunity to make changes to the ward structure, or to the number of councillors. In order for any change to take effect for the 2025 elections, the council needs to make a decision by 31 July this year.

“Before we finalise a representation proposal to consult our community on, we want early feedback so we can better understand their views when it comes to considering future options,” O’Regan said.

“There is a lot of change on the horizon for Local Government and I believe there is a real opportunity to create a stronger governance model to lead our district into the future.”

People can have their say online at www.waipadc.govt.nz/representationreview or on a feedback form available at the Council offices in Te Awamutu and Cambridge.

The survey opened today and will close at 5pm on Sunday, 16 June 2024. Responses will be considered along with other analysis and community information, before a decision is made on any proposed changes.

Any decision will be in the form of an initial proposal which will go out to the community for formal consultation in July/August 2024.