Nelson City Council

Final decision reached

The public is advised that the Council at its meeting on Thursday 29 October 2009 after considered the submissions received in respect of the proposal to reduce the number of members to be elected at the 2010 election to 11 including the Mayor, resolved to retain the number at 13 including the Mayor. This change to the original proposal was publicly notified for appeal or further submission for the period ending 11 December 2009.

No appeals against or objections to this amended proposal were received.

Notice is now given in accordance with section 19Y Local Electoral Act 2001 that the amended proposal thereby becomes the basis for election at the next triennial general election of the council and continues in effect until a subsequent determination is made.

The number of members to be elected at the 2010 election shall be 13 including the Mayor.

Background

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, the Council has to review its methods of governing (by a Council elected at large or via wards and involving community boards) and the number of members, at least once every six years. At the 20 August meeting, Council reviewed its methods for governing and resolved they be retained in the current form, without community boards or wards, but with a reduced number of Councillors.

Currently there are 12 elected Councillors and the proposal is for this number to be reduced to 10. This proposal is now open for comment or submission. The public has one month to make submissions on the proposed Council makeup for the 2010 election. Eighteen submissions were received on the consultation. Submissions closed on Friday 2 October 2009.