The Council's decision and what's next

The minor boundary adjustments are reflected in the table below that sets out the final proposal’s constituencies, number of Councillors and the population they represent.

CONSTITUENCY

Population

Members

Population per member

Difference from quota

% Difference from quota

North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke

87,000

2

43,500

-4,093

-8.60

Christchurch West/Ōpuna

104,800

2

52,400

4,807

10.10

Christchurch North East/Ōrei

100,600

2

50,300

2,707

5.69

Christchurch Central/Ōhoko

102,500

2

51,250

3,657

7.68

Christchurch South/Ōwhangai

88,300

2

44,150

-3,443

-7.23

Mid-Canterbury/Ōpakihi

118,100

2

59,050

11,457

24.07

South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi

65,000

2

32,500

-15,093

-31.71

Total

666,300

14

47,593

What was considered

Earlier in the year, Council considered a number of options and asked the community for their feedback. The feedback was closely split between two of the options. You can download the full results of the feedback (PDF, 425KB).

We then went out with our initial proposal which was to combine Ashburton District with the current South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi constituency, leaving Selwyn/Waikirikiri as its own constituency to allow for a ratio between population and Councillors closer to the criteria set out in the Local Electoral Act.

Feedback on the initial proposal was again closely split, however, the feedback from those in the most affected areas was mostly against the proposal, largely on the grounds that it would reduce effective representation for a large, diverse constituency. After considerable deliberation, Council resolved to amend its initial proposal to revert largely to the existing representation arrangements, incorporating additional amendments to two constituencies in Christchurch city.

What happens now

The Council’s proposal is now open for appeals and objections until 25 November 2024. Any person who made a submission on the Council’s initial proposal may lodge an appeal against the Council’s decision. An appeal must relate to the matters raised in that person's submission.

Any person who objects to the final proposal may lodge an objection to the Council’s final proposal. Any objection must identify the matters to which the objection relates. Any appeals or objections to the final proposal will be referred to the Local Government Commission for review.

The Local Government Commission will also be required to review the Council’s proposal as some constituencies do not meet the population per member requirements set out in the Local Electoral Act 2001. The Local Government Commission will hold hearings, if required, and make its final determination on Council’s representation arrangements by April 2025.

To lodge an appeal or objection on the final proposal, email haveyoursay@ecan.govt.nz (subject: Representation Review) by 5pm on 25 November 2024.

Why we’re doing this

The Local Electoral Act 2001 requires councils to undertake a representation review at least every six years.

A representation review looks at the balance of Councillors representing an area with regard to population and geographical areas.

For a regional council, the review must cover:

  • The number of electoral areas – constituencies (local councils use wards)

  • The boundaries of those constituencies and their names

  • The number of Councillors to represent them.

To ensure effective and fair representation, there are four things we must consider:

  • The number of people represented within each constituency area (population)

  • The alignment of communities of interest within each constituency

  • The alignment of constituencies to local council boundaries or wards

  • How many elected Councillors should represent each constituency (each Councillor should represent roughly the same population +/- 10 per cent).

Mana whenua representation

Mana whenua representation is not included in this review. Our Council has two Ngāi Tahu Councillors who represent mana whenua interests across all of Waitaha/Canterbury. This was achieved through the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Act 2022 and is not part of this consultation.