Representation Review
What is a representation review?
A representation review helps to determine how many elected members (councillors) there should be and how they represent you. It also decides whether they are elected on a ward basis, across the whole district or a combination of both. The review also covers whether community boards should exist or not and their makeup.
The Local Electoral Act 2001 requires all local authorities to review their representation arrangements at least once every 6 years.
The current system
Timaru District Council currently has 3 wards electing 10 Councillors as below:
- Timaru Ward – 7 Councillors
- Pleasant Point – Temuka Ward – 2 Councillors
- Geraldine Ward – 1 Councillor
There are also three community boards who represent rural communities in the district, namely:
- Geraldine – 6 Board members
- Pleasant Point – 5 Board members
- Temuka – 4 Board members
The Mayor is elected 'at large' throughout the whole district.
How is the Council conducting the review?
Reports on the process to date can be found below.
- Approach Report (13 December 2011) (486.93 kB)
- Independent Panel Report (21 February 2012) (43.78 kB)
The attached table outlines the process that must be followed:
The Council resolved at its meeting on 21 February 2012 to call for expressions of interest from members of the public interested in being considered for an advisory panel. The panel will develop option(s) for Council to consider.
Potential participants should have a demonstrated knowledge of local communities, an open and inquiring mind and an ability to critique and develop a reasoned argument. The position will not be paid for but expenses will be met for travel. Council will decide the makeup of the panel from the expressions of interest received.
If you are interested in being involved on the panel, please forward your expression of interest by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Mark Low, Timaru District Council, PO Box 522, Timaru 7940 by 5pm 7 March 2012. Please include a brief explanation of why you would like to be on the panel and some background information about yourself.
