PCC To Have Fewer Councillors at Next Election

The number of councillors will reduce from 13 to 10 at the next Porirua City Council general election on 12 October 2013.

The Local Government Commission has just released its determination of representation arrangements for the Council and the Commission agrees with the changes proposed by the Council in March 2012 following consultation with residents.

The changes mean the next Council will comprise the Mayor and 10 councillors elected as follows:
four councillors elected by Northern Ward
two councillors elected by the Western Ward
four councillors elected by the Eastern Ward
"The Commission endorsed the Council's belief that reducing the number of Councillors to 10 will still enable us to provide effective representation for the three Wards," says Mayor Nick Leggett.

"They recognised that we have mechanisms in place, such as the village planning programme, councillor clinics and initiatives for on-line engagement of residents that enable us to do this.

"Like our city, our Council is also diverse in terms of age, ethnicity and the geographical spread of the city. It has one of the youngest councillors in the country as well as both Māori and Pacifica councillors."

Having adopted the STV electoral system also helps in achieving diverse representation, the Mayor says.

The other main change at the next election is that residents of the part of Ranui currently in the Western Ward will move back to the Eastern Ward. This was supported by that community during consultation as they felt more a part of the Eastern Ward.
ends

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