West Coast debates councillor numbers amid rising population
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council has a population to councillor ratio "significantly more favourable" than other regions around the country.
But with a growing population in the 650km-long region, it is being recommended the regional council keep its current representation of seven councillors.
The West Coast has a whopping 37 councillors for 33,000 people once you combine the regional council and
the territorial authorities of Buller, Grey, and Westland, which have 30 representatives including mayors.
The regional council this week adopted a recommendation to undertake the required six yearly statutory review of its representation, via public consultation. Public submissions open from June 18.
The matter was workshopped by council in May where the vexed question of the number of councils and the need for amalgamation was raised.
It was also suggested the regional council could drop to six representatives but the question was deferred to staff to check on the legal requirement.
A staff report presented to council this week recommended accepting the 'status quo' of seven and council accepted that be put to the public, with no debate.
West Coast iwi had previously indicated they were not interested in canvassing a Māori ward this time.
Council principal planning and reporting analyst Stewart Genery said previous consultation reviews in 2012 and 2018 resulted in the status quo - both in number and distribution of councillors.
Keeping that would best met the legislative requirements, Genery said.
However, council could consult on the number of constituencies, the name and proposed boundary of each, and the number of members for each.
Genary said considerations could include if communities were appropriately represented across the three district/constituency boundaries - Buller (two councillors), Grey (3), Westland (2).
"No information has surfaced to suggest that communities in the region are not appropriately represented."
The latest census data has revealed the West Coast population has swelled by nearly 2000. The population is now 33,390 - up 1815 from 31,575 in 2018.
Each district has seen an increase on 2018.
* Buller has risen to 10,446 (2018: 9591),
* Grey: 14,043 (13,344),
* Westland: 8901 (8640).
Genary said based on the Stats NZ forecast data for 2023, the population to representative ratio for the regional council would be 4694, an increase of 61 people per councillor on 2018.
"The population to councillor ratio for the West Coast region is significantly more favourable than any other regional council nationally," he said.
An option to reduce the number of councillors to the legal minimum of six was not recommended as "it will unbalance representation" across the region.
At the same time increasing representation was discounted given the ratio was already significantly more favourable.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
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