Strong opposition to Selwyn representation changes ahead of two-day hearing

Wednesday, 25 September 2024

Dozens of people will speak in Selwyn’s council chambers as representation review hearings begin.

Four out of five people in Selwyn who submitted ahead of the district’s representation review hearings were happy with the current councillor and community board set-up.

More than 40 speakers are expected to be heard when a two-day hearing for the representation review begins on Thursday.

Selwyn District Council received more than 600 submissions during consultation, with an overwhelming number of people opposed to the proposed changes.

The community was asked if Malvern and Ellesmere wards should lose a councillor each, leaving them with one person to represent the ward, and if Malvern Community Board should be disestablished.

Malvern Ward is the largest geographical ward in the Selwyn District.

Representation in Springs and Rolleston wards wouldn’t change, but the areas they covered would increase slightly with Burnham joining Rolleston and West Melton joining Springs ward.

Across the board about 80% said no.

Ellesmere Ward has the lowest population in Selwyn, representing 13,450 people. Malvern Ward is the largest area in the district but has the second lowest population, with two councillors and five community board members representing 15,500 people across 5000km².

From left, Malvern Community Board’s 2024 members Sharn Nu'u, councillor Bob Mugford, John Verry, Bruce Russell, councillor Lydia Gliddon, Calvin Payne, and Phil Freeman.

Darfield Residents’ Association chairperson Harvey Polglase is to open the first day of the hearing, arguing a shift in the ward boundaries, fewer councillors and the removal of the community board would unfairly represent the community.

“The community board is vital to enable Malvern residents to have their say with council,” he said in his submission.

Rolleston Residents’ Association president Mark Alexander will also present, offering an alternative ward change that may be better suited.

Karl Dean, president of the North Canterbury Province of Federated Farmers of New Zealand, will speak at the hearing on Thursday. (File photo)

“The Rolleston Residents’ Association believes that the Ellesmere and Malvern Wards should be amalgamated to form a single ward with two councillors.”

The association was not in favour of retaining the community board as “it is hard to identify any positive outcomes, submissions or representations from the Malvern Community Board in this term”.

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Karl Dean will follow, voicing concerns rural representation may be impacted by the shift.

He was for the removal of the community board.

However, a spokesperson for the community board said the overwhelming opposition to the disestablishment of the community board showed the community saw value in retaining that level of representation.

“It’s evident that there is widespread opposition to any proposal that would reduce rural representation, especially if the Malvern Community Board is removed.”

North Canterbury had four community boards under the Waimakariri District Council.

Mayor Dan Gordon said he saw “great value” in his community boards.

“It amplifies the council’s reach into our communities and allows for greater representation of place and interest. It’s a vehicle to allow for local knowledge, insight, feedback, engagement, as well as place.”

The hearing begins on Thursday.