This document is for discussion purposes only; no formal decisions were made during this workshop.

Representation Review Recap

• Required under the Local Electoral Act 2001 every six years.
• Determines:
  • Number of electoral constituencies.
  • Boundaries and names of constituencies.
  • Number of elected members.
• ORC last reviewed its representation in 2018/19.
• New arrangements will apply to 2025 and 2028 local elections.

Statutory Timeline

• 20 Dec 2023: Earliest date to resolve Initial Proposal.
• 31 July 2024: Deadline for Initial Proposal.
• 8 August 2024: Notification of Initial Proposal – Open consultation.
• 8 September 2024: Public submissions close.
• 3 November 2024: Last date for Final Proposal.
• 10 April 2025: If appealed, Local Government Commission decision.

Otago’s Steps to Date

• Voting system: Single Transferable Vote (STV) will apply in 2025 and 2028.
• Māori representation: No decision on establishing a Māori ward.

Current Representation Arrangements

• ORC currently has 12 councillors from four constituencies:
  • Dunstan (3)
  • Moeraki (1)
  • Molyneux (2)
  • Dunedin (6)
• Population growth since 2018: 30,400 increase (11.9%).
• Dunstan saw the most growth (27.2% increase).

Key Issues for Discussion

• Constituency Boundaries
• Number of Councillors
• Fair Representation: Ensuring all votes have equal value (+/-10% rule).
• Communities of Interest:
  • Geographical, economic, and demographic factors.
  • Alignment with territorial authority boundaries.

Representation Options Considered

Option 1: Status quo (adjust councillor allocation but keep existing boundaries).
Option 2: Increase councillors to 13, keeping current boundaries.
Option 3: Create a new Whakatipu constituency (Queenstown/Arrowtown only).
Option 4: Create a new Whakatipu constituency and increase councillors to 13.
Option 5: Create a new Upper Lakes constituency (QLDC + Cromwell).
Option 6: Create a new Upper Lakes constituency with 13 councillors.

Next Steps

• April 2024: Additional workshop if needed.
• 20 May 2024: Initial proposal decision.
• June-July 2024: Consultation, submissions, and hearings.
• 2025: Potential interim review if rapid population growth continues.