The Local Government Commission has announced its decision that largely existing representation arrangements for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council will apply for the 2019 local authority elections.

The Commission has endorsed the decision of Western Bay of Plenty District Council that the existing arrangements of 11 councillors elected from three wards, with one boundary alteration, will apply for the October elections.

The decision means that for the 2019 local authority elections, Western Bay of Plenty District councillors will continue to be elected as follows:

Katikati-Waihi Beach ward – three councillors

Kaimai ward – four councillors

Maketu-Te Puke – four councillors

In a statement from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council it says in a change from arrangements proposed by the council, the Commission has determined that the Omokoroa Community Board will be retained with its existing area and membership.

'The Commission endorsed the council's proposal to retain the four other community boards –Katikati, Waihi Beach, Maketu and Te Puke.

'There were 11 appeals/objections against the council's proposal.”

The determination is available on the Commission's website: www.Igc.govt.nz