As part of the ‘Your Choice – 2022 Representation Review’, Council has reviewed its structure ahead of next year’s local government elections.

In the last three council elections, every person eligible to vote had the opportunity to vote for 10 councillors and 1 mayor, so you had the same voting opportunities as every other voter in Rotorua.

The decision to introduce a Māori ward has changed that and could mean those on the Māori electoral roll only get to vote for people standing for the Māori ward seats.

With 10 councillors, this could mean only three votes for councillors and 1 vote for the mayor. In this scenario, everyone on the General electoral roll would get 7 votes for councillors and 1 vote for the mayor.

Does a model based on what electoral roll you are registered on fairly or effectively represent the diversity of Rotorua?

After comparing a number of scenarios, the model Council is proposing and asking for feedback on, is considered to most fairly and effectively represent Rotorua communities. Our draft proposal introduces 4 councillors ‘at large’.

Everyone would be able to vote for these councillors regardless of what electoral roll they are on.

In practice, our proposal would look something like this…… 

Awaroa is on the Māori electoral roll, he will be able to vote for: 2 people standing for the Māori ward seats, plus 4 people standing for the ‘at large’ seats. A total of 6 votes for councillors, plus the vote for mayor.

Compared with: Teina who is on the General roll, and able to vote for 4 people standing for the General ward seats, plus 4 people standing for the ‘at large’ seats.  A total of 8 votes for councillors, plus the vote for mayor.

This proposal is still not able to provide an equal number of votes for all. Legislation ensures no proposal can provide this following the introduction of a ward system. 

However, you can consider whether the introduction of ‘at large’ council seats provides the scope to achieve equity (in this situation meaning all voters having a similar opportunity to inform the makeup of council), as opposed to having a guaranteed maximum of 3 Māori seats within the Māori ward.