- By Damian Light, Howick Local Board chairperson
Auckland has a unique local government, created after Parliament passed special legislation back in 2009.
As a result, the governing body (mayor and councillors) and local boards share responsibility and democratic accountability for decision-making.
Like all local government, Auckland Council holds elections every three years.
To ensure we have fair and effective representation, councils must complete a review every six years.
These reviews consider the number of councillors, their boundaries and if they should be elected from wards or regionally (like the mayor).
For Auckland, it also considers the names, boundaries, and size of local boards, including subdivisions.
Our city isn’t growing at the same pace so the review makes sure each councillor and local board member represents a similar number of people to their colleagues, with some exceptions to avoid splitting communities with shared interests.
This year there are changes proposed for North, Central, and east Auckland (including Howick).
What does this mean for the Howick Local Board?
Currently the Howick Local Board has nine members – three each for Howick, Pakuranga, and Botany looking after 157,600 residents.
However, due to population growth in Flat Bush, Botany has too many people (70,500) for just three members, which needs to be addressed.
After careful consideration and a robust debate on the options, Auckland Council has proposed reducing the Botany subdivision to two members and creating a new subdivision for Flat Bush with three members.
The Howick Local Board would have eleven members in total, which is similar to other local authorities of the same size.
How can you have you say?
It’s vital that locals have your say on how you’re represented. Public consultation is open until 4pm on Thursday, August 8.
You can find out more, including how to have your say at your local library, calling 09 301 0101 or online at www.akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Find out more and stay in touch
Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HowickLB
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