An Invercargill city councillor has suggested getting rid of two seats around the council table, to have 10 instead of 12, and would like to see the matter considered further. 

Cr Ian Pottinger made the comments at Invercargill City Council (ICC) full council meeting today (Tuesday, January 26). 

Councillors were discussing the Representation Review Report which, under the Local Electoral Act, all local authorities must undertake every six years. 

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The review gives the opportunity for the community to share their views and opinions. 

Cr Ian Pottinger said he would like feedback from the community and fellow councillors on whether the council should get rid of two seats around the table. 

He suggested that the ICC had too many councillors per head of population. 

“…it seems to be that a rule of thumb is 5000 head of population per elected member which, when you do the sums, would actually make it 10 councillors for Invercargill. So, I’m just wondering, is 12 [councillors] a bit weighty for what we’re trying to do here?” he asked.

According to Stats NZ, the population of Invercargill is 54,204 as of 2018. The ICC currently has place for 12 councillors. 

Cr Pottinger said that most efficient companies operate smaller boards proportionate to their size. 

Cr Darren Ludlow said that if the public felt the need to have fewer councillors then that “change may well come”.

The representation review determines detailed arrangements for the number of electoral subdivisions and the boundaries, names, and numbers of wards. 

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For the ICC, the review will include deciding: The basis of election (at large, wards, or a mix of both), and the retention, establishment and/or disestablishment of Community Boards. 

The use of a panel removes possible perceptions of self-interest arising from elected members’ close involvement in the issues. 

Councillors unanimously passed recommendations to approve the creation of an Electoral Representation Advisory Panel and appointed Cr Rebecca Amundsen to be the council representative on the panel.  

The report recommends that the Independent Panel hold a minimum of three public forums and at least two Hui (with Mana Whenua and Mataa Waka) to engage the community as thoroughly as possible regarding the process. 

“By utilising new methods alongside public forums, staff anticipate that we will achieve not only more, but better, community engagement. The representation review is a great opportunity for the Council to engage people in a positive way and help strengthen Council’s relationship with the community,” the report reads.