Proposed Representation Arrangement |
We value your feedback on our proposed arrangement and ask that you to participate in a brief survey, which will only take 2 minutes - 5 minutes to complete.
Key information:
A representation review is conducted every six years to ensure equitable representation within our community.
During our last review in 2018, the council opted to maintain the status quo, allowing all community members to vote for 12 councillors regardless of their roll status. Additionally, the rural community was able to vote for seven members of the Whanganui Rural Community Board.
Whanganui District Council voted to include Māori wards for the 2025 local body elections in October of 2023. This has been worked into the proposal and is no longer being consulted on. This alters the voting dynamic, meaning the community can no longer vote as a single entity. Voters will be split by their electoral roll status, general, or Māori.
After a community wide survey in February, a rural survey in April and a robust discussion with elected members and council staff, it was decided that the following makeup was the greatest option for fair representation;
Proposed representation arrangement:
Key information:
A representation review is conducted every six years to ensure equitable representation within our community.
During our last review in 2018, the council opted to maintain the status quo, allowing all community members to vote for 12 councillors regardless of their roll status. Additionally, the rural community was able to vote for seven members of the Whanganui Rural Community Board.
Whanganui District Council voted to include Māori wards for the 2025 local body elections in October of 2023. This has been worked into the proposal and is no longer being consulted on. This alters the voting dynamic, meaning the community can no longer vote as a single entity. Voters will be split by their electoral roll status, general, or Māori.
After a community wide survey in February, a rural survey in April and a robust discussion with elected members and council staff, it was decided that the following makeup was the greatest option for fair representation;
Proposed representation arrangement:
- One mayor and 12 councillors: ten representing the Whanganui General Ward and two representing the Whanganui Māori Ward.
- Voters will elect their representatives based on enrollment in either the General or Māori roll.
- A single community board will represent the rural community.
For more information on our specific review, and to view some frequently asked questions, please click here to view our website.