Western Bay of Plenty District Council representation proposal which is open for submission is their interpretation of the changes they have to make before the 2013 elections. We can tell them where to go like this only once every six years.
They are suggesting an eastern, central and western ward system, with only eight instead of 12 councillors. This would leave only two councillors for Matakana, Waihi Beach and Katikati and as Matakana is entitled to one councillor because it is an island, the proposal does not seem to meet the requirements of Fair Representation.
I personally would favour a more even distribution of councillors based on ‘communities of interest' for representation which is the major change in the new legislation for the Government that is trying to give more power to communities and simplify local government processes.
It's all very well saying that community boards should do the work but even community boards have to be paid. It would seem fair to reduce the number of councillors to six and give responsibility to the community chairs who should then be expected to attend and vote at Council meetings.
A rough calculation indicates that the money saved with the reduction in councillors could be spread around the Board chairs and the total cost could be no more than it is now. With Tauranga and Thames Coromandel already under way with new structures, saving and efficiencies, council needs your ideas even if they might not want them
These are just my thoughts. What are yours?
You have until 4pm, 25 July to put in your submission on the future of our new ward.

George Van Dyke, Katikati.