Ward split approved

The boundaries of the new Auckland Council have been changed to recognise the distinct differences between east and bays suburbs.

The Local Government Commission announced last week that the proposed Orakei-Maungakiekie ward will be split in two.

The Orakei ward will encompass a population of 81,000, while the Tamaki-Maungakiekie ward will represent a population of 73,000.

The commission said the changes followed a "significant number of submissions" calling for the differences between the two areas to be recognised.

In its announcement, the commission acknowledged that the proposed ward incorporated two areas that were not communities of interest.

It also said that past patterns showed "a strong likelihood that both representatives would come from the northern area of the ward".

While most of the 12 other wards will be represented by two councillors, Orakei and Tamaki-Maungakiekie wards will elect one councillor each.

Local leaders say they are pleased with the decision.

"It is a tribute to the business associations and many community groups and individuals who made compelling submissions on this issue," says Auckland city councillor Richard Northey.

"Splitting off most of the current Tamaki and Maungakiekie ward into a separate council seat will ensure that the concerns of the people of these areas have a direct and authentic voice on the new council."

Councillor Leila Boyle and Tamaki Community Board deputy chairwoman Christine O'Brien say while they are happy with two separate wards, they are disappointed Otahuhu has been moved into the Manukau ward.

Ms O'Brien says residents strongly expressed their interest of linking with northern suburbs such as Mt Wellington. But the commission says the move was made "to achieve as fair representation as possible across Auckland".

There will be 13 wards, 21 local boards and 20 councillors in the new council structure.

The Tamaki-Maungakiekie ward will have one local board divided into two subdivisions with three members elected from Maungakiekie and four from Tamaki.

In his submission to the commission, Eastern Bays Community Board chairman Colin Davis asked that there be no subdivisions in the Orakei ward.

The commission agreed, stating there was no good reason for a subdivision if "distinct communities of interest based on socio-economic characteristics could not be identified with clear physical or geographical separations".

Seven members will be elected at large for the Orakei board. The Orakei ward now includes all of Orakei Basin and Hobson Bay.

- © Fairfax NZ News