164 counter-objections to objections on the proposed electorate boundaries
The Representation Commission has received 164 counter-objections to the 409 objections received on the proposed electorate names and boundaries. Over 580 people have contributed to the counter-objections through individual submissions and petitions.
“The Commission will now hold public hearings for people to present their submissions in person,” says Bernard Kendall, Chair of the Representation Commission. “Their opinions and local knowledge are an important part of the boundary review process and will greatly assist the Commission determine the final boundaries.”
Public hearings will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Christchurch and Wellington from Monday 10 February.
A summary of the counter-objections can be viewed online at www.elections.org.nz.
Electorates that generated the most counter-objections include Maungakiekie (32 counter-objections), Tāmaki (24 counter-objections including one petition with over 100 signatures), Mt Albert (13 counter-objections), Port Hills (13 counter-objections including one petition with over 190 signatures) and Christchurch East (10 counter-objections including one petition with over 120 signatures).
The 164 counter-objections received compares with 114 counter-objections when the boundaries were last redrawn in 2007.
The full timetable of public hearings has now been finalised:
Auckland
Specialist Courts and Tribunal Centre, Chorus House, 41 Federal St, Auckland 1010
Monday, 10 February 10.00am to 5.45pm; Tuesday, 11 February 9.00am to 5.45pm; Wednesday, 12 February 9.00am to 5.00pm
Hamilton
Māori Land Court, BNZ Centre, Level 2, 354 Victoria St, Hamilton 3204
Thursday, 13 February 9.00am to 10.30am
Tauranga
Tauranga District Court, McLean St, Tauranga 3110
Thursday, 13 February 2.00pm to 5.15pm
Christchurch
The Environment Court, 99-101 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch 8013
Tuesday, 18 February 9.00am to 5.30pm; Wednesday, 19 February 9.00am to 12.15pm
Wellington
The Electoral Commission, Sovereign House, 34-42 Manners Street, Wellington 6011
Thursday, 20 February 8.30am to 11.30am
While submissions will only be heard from those scheduled to appear, the public are welcome to attend the hearings.