Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

At least once every six years, councils are required to undertake a representation review – on what their electoral constituencies should be and how many elected representatives each should have.

Since its last review was in 2006, Bay of Plenty Regional Council has recently reviewed its representation and is seeking feedback on a proposal by 13 August 2012.

The aim of the electoral review is to ensure communities of interest are recognised and provided for, that so far as practical territorial authority boundaries are followed, and to ensure representation is effective, fair and equitable. The representation proposal now out for comment does not change the current general constituency boundaries, but does add one more elected councillor into the Tauranga constituency to reflect the growth of population in this area. This means it is proposed that Tauranga will have one regional councillor for every 20,000 people.

Currently the regional council has seven constituencies (four general and three Maori constituencies) and 13 councillors. The general constituencies are Tauranga (four councillors – each representing 25,600 people); Western Bay of Plenty (two councillors – each representing 20,000 people), Rotorua (two councillors each representing 23,550 people) and Eastern Bay of Plenty (two councillors each representing 16,000 people). The maori constituencies each have one councillor and are Mauao (in the west representing 18,990 Maori); Okurei (central representing 18,200 Maori) and Kohi (in the east representing 18,360 Maori). This structure was determined by the Local Government Commission in 2007 and it is possible subject to the submissions received that the revised proposal will also end up with the Local Government Commission for determination.

If you have any views on this you should send a submission to the Electoral Officer, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, PO Box 364 Whakatane, or fax it to 0800 884 882 by 4pm, Monday August 13.