Representation Project
What the project is about
The Representation Project combines two processes:
- a review of representation across council
- a review of the current number of local boards.
These are referred to as a 'representation review' and 'a local board reorganisation plan', respectively.
What a representation review is
Every six years, Auckland Council must conduct a review of representation arrangements to ensure they are fair and effective.
For the Governing Body, this must include:
- the number of councillors
- whether they are elected at large (from across the whole of Auckland) or by ward.
- for any wards, their names, boundaries and number of members elected in each.
For local boards, this must include:
- the number of members per board
- whether they are elected at-large (from across the whole of the board area) or by subdivision
- for any subdivisions, their names, boundaries and number of members elected in each
- the name of the local board.
What a local board reorganisation plan is
Auckland Council can undertake a reorganisation plan to review the number of local boards for consideration by the Local Government Commission (LGC)
A local board reorganisation plan includes:
- the total number of local boards
- their representation arrangements.
Why they are combined
The representation review and reorganisation of local boards are separate processes, but there are overlapping factors which we need to consider.
Why we are reviewing this now
Mayor Wayne Brown has asked for a simpler governance model to be considered for Auckland Council. One that is more in line with the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance's 2009 recommendations.
More empowered (and fewer) local boards may be better resourced to make important local decisions on behalf of their communities.
The current governance model of 21 local boards, 13 wards and 170 elected members has remained unchanged since it was established in 2010.
The Representation Project is an opportunity to assess whether these arrangements are serving the community to the best of their ability.
When you can have your say
You can have your say from 13 June to 2 August 2024.
What happens next
Following early engagement, the Joint Governance Working Party will make recommendations to the Governing Body.
Public feedback is an essential part of the process – but the Governing Body must first decide whether change is necessary. In May the Governing Body will decide whether to progress with:
Representation review
- the council’s initial proposal for the 2025 elections to consult with the public on
Local board reorganisation plan
- Whether to progress a local board reorganisation plan to public consultation
Or
- whether council will stay with the local board status quo (the current situation) for the 2025 elections.
Public submissions
For a representation review for the 2025 elections, the Governing Body must call for public submissions, hold a hearing and confirm its final proposal by September 2024.
If a change to local boards is considered worthwhile, council will also be asking Aucklanders for their views on proposed local board changes at the same time.
The Local Government Commission will then hear appeals and objections and make a final decision before 11 April 2025. We will update this page as the project progresses.
