It was the first of two sessions, which are being livestreamed on the council’s Facebook page, to replace public hearings that were scheduled to be held in Queenstown yesterday and Wanaka today.
The council has received 302 submissions on its proposal to create three new wards — Whakatipu (4 seats), Kawarau (3 seats) and Wanaka-Hawea (4 seats) — as well as a single-seat Arrowtown ward.
The number of councillors would increase from 10 to 12, and the Wanaka community board would be disbanded.
After a close vote at its June meeting, the council narrowly moved in favour of retaining the Arrowtown ward, despite an independent advisory group’s recommendation that it be merged with the Kawarau ward.
Speaking at yesterday’s hearing, Kelvin Peninsula resident Kirsty Sharpe said retaining the Arrowtown ward was an "anomaly" in the proposal because the township’s population did not justify it.
It would also mean the township’s residents would be unable to vote for candidates for other wards, thereby "denying themselves democracy".
Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association chairman Jimmy Sygrove said the advisory group’s recommendations were "a convenient way to mechanically crunch the numbers" that would result in the township’s "significant and unique qualities" not being adequately protected.
When asked by Wanaka councillor Quentin Smith how Arrowtown’s attributes were any different from those of the district’s other communities, Mr Sygrove said economic statistics showed the township was a big drawcard for visitors and "punched above its weight", to the benefit of the whole district.
Former Arrowtown councillor Scott Stevens said he was saddened by the number of submissions showing "animosity" to the township, particularly from Upper Clutha residents.
He could not understand their criticism of the council’s proposal because no other community would be disadvantaged by the township keeping its councillor.
Another former Arrowtown councillor, David Clarke, said the township’s importance as an economic driver for the district meant it required "constant vigilance and strong council support", which could only be ensured by having its own councillor.
Hawea Flat resident Rachel Brown said she commended the advisory group’s "blue-sky thinking", and the council’s proposal to "change our wards into another unequal situation ... to me is just absurd".
Another 21 people are expected to speak at today’s hearing, which will run from 10am until noon.
The council expects to make a final decision on September 16, after which there is a one-month period for appeals.
