Representation review - giving a voice to our community

Consultation has concluded


Council asked the community for feedback on its Initial Proposal for the representation arrangements in the Buller District, which is to retain the status quo for the local government elections in 2025 and 2028.

Under sections 19H and 19J of the Local Electoral Act 2001 (the Act), Buller District Council must review their representation arrangements at least every six years.

Buller District Council last reviewed its representation arrangements before the 2019 local authority elections. Therefore, Council is required to undertake a review before the next triennial elections in October 2025.

As part of the review Council prepared an Initial Proposal that the district keeps its existing representation arrangements (the status quo) for the local government elections in 2025 and 2028.

The Initial Proposal (status quo) proposed that:

  • Council would comprise ten (10) members elected from three (3) wards and the Mayor elected at large.
  • The district would be divided into three (3) wards: the Seddon Ward, represented by two (2) Councillors; the Inangahua Ward, represented by two (2) Councillors; and the Westport Ward, represented by six (6) Councillors.
  • There will be an Inangahua Community, comprising the area of Inangahua Ward.
  • The Inangahua Community Board will comprise four elected members and two members appointed by the council representing Inangahua Ward


Council asked the community for feedback on its Initial Proposal for the representation arrangements in the Buller District, which is to retain the status quo for the local government elections in 2025 and 2028.

Under sections 19H and 19J of the Local Electoral Act 2001 (the Act), Buller District Council must review their representation arrangements at least every six years.

Buller District Council last reviewed its representation arrangements before the 2019 local authority elections. Therefore, Council is required to undertake a review before the next triennial elections in October 2025.

As part of the review Council prepared an Initial Proposal that the district keeps its existing representation arrangements (the status quo) for the local government elections in 2025 and 2028.

The Initial Proposal (status quo) proposed that:

  • Council would comprise ten (10) members elected from three (3) wards and the Mayor elected at large.
  • The district would be divided into three (3) wards: the Seddon Ward, represented by two (2) Councillors; the Inangahua Ward, represented by two (2) Councillors; and the Westport Ward, represented by six (6) Councillors.
  • There will be an Inangahua Community, comprising the area of Inangahua Ward.
  • The Inangahua Community Board will comprise four elected members and two members appointed by the council representing Inangahua Ward
Consultation has concluded

  • Council seeks community's feedback on the Buller District’s representation arrangement

    Buller District Council invites the local community to provide their views on the number of Councillors representing the district and how they are elected in the local government elections next year and in 2028.

    Major Jamie Cleine explains: “Council’s representation structure defines the number of councillors to be elected, the basis for election of those councillors, the boundaries and names of the wards they represent and whether community boards are to be established and, if so, membership arrangements for those boards.”

    Read more in our Media Release