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Resolution
number HW/2024/144
MOVED by
Chairperson D Light, seconded by Deputy Chairperson B Burns:
That the Howick Local Board:
a)
whiwhi / receive
the summary of feedback on the representation review initial proposal via
memo prior to the business meeting.
b)
tuhi ā-taipitopito
/ note that the Joint Governance Working Party (JGWP) will hear submissions
on the proposal including local board feedback, for a decision by the
Governing Body on 26 September 2024.
c)
whakarite / provide
the following formal submission on the proposal:
i)
tuhi
ā-taipitopito / note the complexity of elected representatives providing
feedback on the system that elects them and the inherent potential for a
perceived conflict of interest.
ii)
acknowledge and
thank members of the public who provided feedback, especially the individuals
and organisations from the Howick Local Board area.
iii)
tuhi
ā-taipitopito / note that, while efforts have been made to consult with
members of the public, it is a complex issue and not everyone understands the
role of the Local Boards and terminology (like subdivision, communities of
interest) can be confusing.
iv)
acknowledge the
support from both regional (65%) and local (83%) respondents on the general
proposal.
v)
acknowledge the
strong support from both regional (79%) and local (86%) respondents on the
proposed changes to the Howick Local Board. This reflects similar feedback
from early engagement that was completed in March 2024 (as referenced in
HW/2024/24).
vi)
acknowledge that
the population growth in the Flat Bush area means that the existing Botany
subdivision is non-compliant and must be altered to ensure compliance with
the Local Electoral Act.
vii) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that Flat Bush
is a significant community of interest that deserves recognition and
representation. Its recent and rapid growth has created different challenges
and opportunities to the more established area of Botany.
viii) acknowledge that an increase in elected
members is required to maintain the fair representation of electors in
accordance with section 19V of the Local Electoral Act 2001, (also known as
the '+/- 10% rule').
A)
the Auckland-wide
ratio for local boards is 11,675 residents per member, with Howick currently
at 17,522 residents per member making it the highest in Auckland.
B)
Botany is currently
at 23,500 residents per member which is 34.2% more than the Howick Local
Board average (exceeding the fair representation requirement) and twice the
regional average.
C)
the increase to 11
members will reduce this to 14,336 residents per member which will still be
the 4th highest in Auckland and ensure compliance with the fair
representation rule.
D)
the alternative of
reducing members to 7 would mean 22,529 residents per member which is double
the regional average, resulting in less representation for local residents.
ix)
continue to support
a wider review of the governance arrangements for Auckland, including the
number of elected representatives to ensure that they provide for fair and
effective representation.
x)
do not provide
views on the changes to other Local Board or Wards, deferring to the relevant
Local Board and community for their views.
d)
tono / request to
speak to its submission in front of the JGWP at the hearing.
CARRIED
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