The regional council recently heard submissions on its proposal to increase the number of councillors by one, due to the growing population in its Dunstan constituency, which represents the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts.
That would give the area three councillors. At present Cr Gerry Eckhoff, who lives in Alexandra, and Cr Duncan Butcher, who lives in Cromwell, represent the area.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council suggested instead of increasing the Dunstan constituency, the ORC should create a new constituency for Queenstown alone, giving the town its own councillor. Because of population numbers, Arrowtown would remain in the Dunstan constituency.
A panel, comprising the whole regional council, heard the submissions - which also included a presentation from Federated Farmers - and recommended the original proposal of increasing Dunstan representation to three.
It rejected Queenstown's request because splitting Arrowtown from Queenstown would not meet the Local Electoral Act's community of interest requirements.
QLDC Mayor Vanessa van Uden said while it was "difficult to comment" as the council was yet to hear from the ORC, "if the logic for the decision regarding Arrowtown is as reported, then we would have to question it".
"Under the ORC's proposal, Arrowtown is in Dunstan.
"Under the alternative proposal put by the QLDC for a Wakatipu constituency, Arrowtown is also in Dunstan.
"However, until such time as the ORC has formally advised us of the decision, council is not really in a position to make any further observations."
ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said it was important people realised it did not matter where a regional councillor lived, as under their oath they represented the region, not just "one district or one area".
The final proposal will be advertised today. The closing date for appeals or objections by submitters is September 10.
Ms van Uden said any consideration regarding an appeal would be made on receipt of the decision.
