Ōpōtiki's Representation Structure Approved Ahead of October Local Elections.

Opotiki District Council Building

On April 8, 2025, the Local Government Commission released its decision to approve the Ōpōtiki District Council’s proposed representation structure for the upcoming local elections in October.

The approved structure means the continuation of the Coast Community Board, a Mayor elected at large, and seven councillors: one from the Coast Māori Ward, two from the Ōpōtiki Māori Ward, two from the Rural General Ward, and two from the Urban General Ward.

“There was a lot of thought and consideration put into our representation arrangements, and we felt it best reflected our new Māori Wards, while at the same time keeping the vital voice of the Coast communities at the council table,” said Ōpōtiki Mayor, David Moore.

The Commission’s determination notes that under section 19V(6) of the Local Electoral Act 2001, it supports the Council’s decision not to comply with section 19V(2) in regard to the Coast Māori Ward and Ōpōtiki Māori Ward. Compliance would have challenged the effective representation of these isolated communities of interest.

Moore explained that “the legislation requires each Māori Ward councillor to represent about the same number of people.” However, for the district councils case, they would  be outside of this range due to the size of the Coast Ward. So instead the proposal was made to argue the importance of representations to be specific for the communities of interest. A decision that the Commission has now officially supported.

When local elections are held on October 11, residents will be able to vote for a Mayor, councillors, and community board members, which will mark as a significant milestone as it will be the first time Ōpōtiki voters can cast their votes under a system that includes Māori Wards.

“I’m excited to see the Wards in action and to see how they will reflect our communities and candidates at the council table,” Moore said.