Clutha District Council has released results from its initial public consultation for its six-yearly representation review, which takes a look at whether existing political representation is fair and effective, and how much councillors will be paid.
A key element of the council’s proposal last month was reducing the number of councillors by five, and reshaping wards to accommodate the change.
The council received 26 submissions to the proposals, of which five spoke during hearings earlier this month.
Of the 26, 23 responded to the question of reducing councillor numbers, of which about 75% did not favour any change from the current 14.
Last month, Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the reasoning for the proposed reduction lay in attracting a wider diversity of candidates.
He said a smaller number of councillors would provide better remuneration from what was a limited funding pool, thereby allowing a greater number of younger, working people to consider standing for election.
Some submitters said this reasoning had not been made clear in documentation.
In her submission, Bruce ward resident Barbara Earl questioned whether reducing councillors would improve representation.
"What is the ... rationale, that supports the proposal to reduce councillor numbers ...?
"Three extra councillors [12 total] ... would provide a fairer representation for six wards who don’t have the benefit of a community board structure."
Fellow Bruce ward resident Ray Powell said he agreed "in principle" with the reduction, but would like to see an increase in community boards for the district.
"Each ward should have a community board to relay the citizens’ concerns and needs to the elected councillors. This would filter out a lot of the unnecessary discussion previous to the councillor being involved, and reduce [councillors’] menial work."
Lawrence-Tuapeka ward resident Matt Little suggested an alternative to reducing councillor numbers.
"LGNZ [Local Government New Zealand] or whoever else can, need to lobby the Remuneration Authority regarding mayoral and councillor salaries. For the work and responsibility required, and to attract those who can not otherwise afford to dedicate the time required to do the role properly, the current rates of pay are far too low."
However, Bruce ward resident Mark Soper disagreed.
"I don’t think people motivated by money would be the best people to serve the Clutha District. I think it is best to attract those whose top priority is to improve and serve the ... community."
The council will consider feedback and finalise changes at a meeting on October 24.
