FAQs
- Fairness and effectiveness of proposed representation arrangements for the 13 general constituencies; and
- Name of the Māori constituency.
What is a representation review?
A representation review is a regular, legally required process undertaken every six years by councils to reassess their representation arrangements. A review includes determining the number of constituencies, defining their names and boundaries, and deciding how many councillors will represent each constituency. Council’s last review was conducted in 2018 for the 2019 elections.
Why do a representation review?
The goal of a representation review is to ensure that the council's representation arrangements are both fair and effective. "Fair" means each Councillor represents about the same number of voters. "Effective" means each constituency reflects a community with common interests. The representation review also aims to align representation with changes in population and these communities.
What was preliminary engagement?
Preliminary engagement was an initial phase (from ** to ** March 2024) of gathering public input before the formal consultation. This phase allows Council to collect early community views on potential representation arrangements to inform Council’s decisions on the initial representation proposal, on which we then consult.
A summary of the responses received during preliminary engagement is included in **.
What is the initial representation proposal?
On 27 August 2024, Council determined its initial representation proposal. This sets out the proposed representation arrangements for the 2025 triennial local elections, including the boundaries and names for 14 constituencies (one Māori constituency and13 general constituencies).
What are we asking you to have your say on?
As Council has already decided to use the Single Transferable Voting system and to establish a Māori constituency, we are not seeking your views on these matters.
Given the decision to establish a Māori constituency, we seek your views on the:
How do I find out more?
The Have Your Say page **LINK** for the initial representation proposal includes copies of the report to Council, relevant Local Government Commission determinations, and maps of the proposed constituencies. The report includes the overall timeframe for the Representation Review 2024 and outlines seven scenarios and membership options.
When does formal consultation start and end?
Formal statutory consultation runs from 28 August to 24 September 2024.
What’s happening with the Māori constituency?
On 27 August 2024, Council affirmed its resolution to establish a Māori constituency for the 2025 triennial local elections. This constituency covers the entire Wellington Region and will have one elected member.
The proposed name for the Māori constituency is Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui Māori Constituency and we are seeking your views on this matter as part of the statutory consultation. The establishment of the Māori constituency is not within scope of the proposal.
What about the Coalition Government’s intention to allow for a poll on Māori wards and constituencies?
The Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies ) Amendment Act 2024 took effect on 1 July 2024. This Act requires Group B councils (which includes Greater Wellington Regional Council) to either affirm or rescind its resolution to establish a Māori constituency. If a Group B council affirms, then a mandatory binding poll of electors is required at the 2025 triennial local elections.
As Council affirmed on 27 August 2024, a binding poll will be held at the 2025 elections.