JOHN BISSET/Things
People living outside the city limits in the Mackenzie district will have a greater say in this year’s municipal elections. (File photo)
People living outside the city limits in the Mackenzie district will have more say in the 2022 municipal elections this year.
Mackenzie District Council has announced that, for the first time, voters living in rural areas around the townships of Twizel, Tekapo and Fairlie will be able to nominate and elect the members of those towns’ community councils.
Angela Oosthuizen, the council’s general manager, said previously only taxpayers living within the city limits could vote for community council members.
“However, everyone in an area, including the rural population, was taking advantage of urban amenities such as swimming pools and parks and wanted to have a say in how they were managed.
“I hope rural taxpayers get a pleasant surprise when they open their ballot papers this year and see they can vote for community board members.
“But I also hope that we will bring forward some rural people to run for election because it is a good opportunity for them to get involved in their community.
“These changes will create a new dynamic around the council table that recognizes population shifts and helps the district better plan for the future.”
The change follows public feedback received as part of an assessment of representation held by the Mackenzie District Council in 2021.
The council made a proposal to the Local Government Commission to extend the boundaries of the community council to rural areas, and this was accepted.
The 2021 Representation Assessment also saw another change with a new department being established in the Tekapo area to recognize the growing population in the Mackenzie Basin. This is accompanied by a new council position that will also be elected in 2022.
Nominations for these roles are open and will close on August 12 at 12 noon. Forms can be picked up at the Fairlie or Twizel council office.