Election Services: Representation Reviews

Representation Reviews

A representation review is an extremely important process, but often a complex one.
We can make things simple.

Under legislation, local authorities are required to undertake a representation review at least every six years.

For local government elections, the process really begins with the establishment of representation arrangements – the governance structure of the Council and how members are elected - well before the election itself kicks off.

As an independent business we're in a unique position to provide you with the best assistance with this process.

Introductions

New or Returning

Whether or not you’re a regular customer of ours, Election Services can give you valuable assistance with your next representation review process, as we have for a number of local authorities.

Input

Experienced Expertise

Our experience in electoral legislation and in the range of local factors which must guide the process means we are well suited to offering expert input.

Independent

An Unbiased View

Our independence means that we can bring an unbiased ‘outside view’ of your area and organisation, and our connections within the industry will help to ensure a smooth process.

Involvement

You choose our level of involvement

We can work as consultants offering advice as you undertake the process yourself, or manage the entire project and work with your staff to produce a great result with a minimal impact on your own resources.

Undertaking a representation review is a complex process that must be completed every 3-6 years.

To give you an idea of the breadth and scope of our services the following is a broad overview guiding you through some of the steps involved in a review, while not comprehensive of every step involved it should give you a good idea of how we can help make a complex process simple.

Step One

Undergoing a representation review begins at a minimum, two years before your next election commencing with consideration of the electoral system and Māori wards/constituencies.

Electoral System

Local authorities may first resolve as to whether they will change their electoral system from the current electoral system (FPP or STV) for the next two triennial elections, and must publicly notify this.

Resolution

The process begins with a decision by the local authority on the electoral system. We have years of experience working on this process and can assist you with this, should this be required.

Public Notice

A local authority must give public notice of the right of 5% of electors to demand a poll on the electoral system for the next two triennial elections, and if a resolution has been made to change electoral systems, then this must included in the notice. We can handle creating and lodging the public notice on your behalf.

We've attended workshops and meetings, provided advice and consultations - we work with you to get the job done.

Māori Representation

A local authority may resolve to establish Māori wards/constituencies for the next triennial election.

Resolution

A local authority may resolve whether or not to establish Māori wards/constituencies. We are able to provide expert advice on the implications of this decision tailored to your specific requirements.

Public Notice

If a local authority establishes Māori wards/constituencies, a public notice must be given of the right of 5% of electors to demand a poll on this issue. Like with the electoral system, we can handle creating and lodging the public notice on your behalf.

Step Two

Before the next triennial election a local authority may be required to undertake various polls and reviews on the proposals decided on in step one.

Electoral System Poll

A local authority may resolve to, or receive a successful demand from electors, to undertake a poll on a proposal that a specified electoral system be used for the next two triennial elections. Polls are our specialty.

We have over 25 years experience running elections and polls, and this experience means easy solutions for your team.

Māori Representation Poll

A local authority may resolve, or receive a successful demand from electors, to undertake a poll that Māori wards/constituencies be introduced for the next two triennial elections. We can work with you to either assist with or run any poll that may be required.

Representation Review

Once decisions have been made on the electoral system and Māori wards/constituencies, a local authority is able to look at its representation arrangements. These are things like the number of elected members, number of wards, names and boundaries of wards and whether to establish community boards or not. Election Services has undertaken many reviews in our long history and can give you the best possible advice or partner with you throughout this important process.

Public Notices

Public notices must be given regarding any decisions around electoral system and representation review.

Initial Proposal

A public notice containing the initial proposal must be made, providing for at least one month to receive feedback submissions. Election Services can guide you through this process.

Final Proposal

A public notice containing the final proposal with any amendments taken into account must be made providing for at least one month to receive any appeals and/or objections. Like the initial proposal, Election Services is able to guide you through this process.

Appeals and/or Objections

After the mandatory public notice for the final proposal, appeals and/or objections can be received. If any of these are received the appeal and/or objection is forwarded to the Local Government Commission for determination. Election Services can handle this process for you.

We can also help you with

Elections and Polls

We can take care of any aspect of your election or poll to ensure a successful and hassle-free process.

Community Consultations

We can give you the edge you need to successfully engage with your constituents.

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Representation Reviews

We can give you valuable assistance with this local authority requirement.

Electoral Training

Our expertise in the field means that we’ll be able to assist you with training on any level.

Database Management

We can assist you with compiling an address database, tidying up your existing data, getting your data certified by NZ Post and putting processes in place to help maintain your data in the future.