Independent panel to lead DCC representation review

At today’s full Council meeting, Councillors voted unanimously to approve a representation review led by an independent panel and supported by DCC staff.

Councillors also asked staff to develop terms of reference to be voted on by Councillors, and for a public expression of interest process for potential panel members.

Council will make the final decision on panel members and the terms of reference.

A staff report, considered at today’s meeting, noted the representation review is required to consider:
* the total number of councillors;
* whether councillors are elected at large, by wards, or through a combination of both;
* ward names and boundaries;
* the number of councillors elected from each ward; and
* whether community boards should be retained, created, changed or disestablished.

The DCC is required by law to review its representation arrangements at least once every six years, and the next review is due ahead of the 2028 elections, the report noted.

The review will involve a substantial programme of work including population analysis,
communities-of-interest work, mapping, option development and testing, engagement,
statutory resolutions and notices, submissions, hearings, and potentially appeals or objections
to the Local Government Commission.

A staged approach to the process was also proposed, allowing work to stop if legislation associated with Head Start makes a DCC representation review unnecessary.

As a result of today’s vote, staff will now begin the public expression-of-interest process and prepare draft terms of reference. Applicants will then be presented to Council for selection and appointment of the panel, including the Chair.

Once appointed, the panel will begin the preliminary review work. A further report will be
presented to Council before significant public engagement or adoption of an initial proposal.

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