The Representation Commission has received 332 objections to the proposed electorate boundaries and names for the next two general elections.
A total of 450 people contributed to the objections through individual and form submissions and one petition. The submissions can be viewed online at www.vote.nz.
“The proposed electorates that we’ve received the most objections about are around Auckland and in Otago and Southland,” says Representation Commission chair, Judge Craig Thompson.
“Some of the objections are about keeping communities together,” says Judge Thompson.
“Other objections are about the names of some electorates and we’ve received suggestions for names that people feel better reflect those areas.”
People can comment on the objections until January 24.
“We’ll be taking all submissions into account before finalising the electorate boundaries and names in April for the 2020 and 2023 elections,” says Judge Thompson.
The proposed Manukau East electorate attracted the most boundary objections – 64 – on community of interest grounds.
The main concern is the inclusion of the area around Panmure in Manukau East, separating Panmure from Mt Wellington.
Flat Bush attracted 22 objections with a number of objectors suggest adding areas from the current Botany and Manurewa electorates to this new south Auckland electorate.
Alternative names suggested are Takanini, Flat Bush-Takanini, Manukau South, Manurewa East, Totara and Totara Park.
More information about making a counter-objection can be found at www.vote.nz.
Public hearings of submissions will be held in February.
