Tiikeitia ki Uta and Tiikeitia ki Tai to form part of Rangitīkei District Council representation

The Local Government Commission has confirmed Rangitīkei’s representation arrangements for this years local body elections, with the inclusion of two Māori wards – Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) ward and Tiikeitia ki Tai (Coastal) ward.

The confirmed arrangement comprises of a Mayor plus 11 councillors from five wards - two councillors elected from the Northern general ward, five from the Central general ward and 2 from the Southern General ward, and one councillor for each of the newly established Māori wards.

The Taihape and Rātana Community Boards are retained, unchanged.

The introduction of the Māori wards means those enrolled on the Māori electoral roll will be able to vote for candidates in the Māori wards for the 2022 local body election.

Mayor Andy Watson said “We are pleased that the Commission accepted our proposal and did not recommend any changes, our district is diverse, and the change means council will be in a better position to represent all communities. The introduction of Māori wards is an important step in enabling council to make decisions that accurately represent all views and needs.”

Based on 2018 census data 26.5% of the Rangitīkei population is Māori compared with a New Zealand average of 16.5%. The councillors elected on the Māori wards will represent a population of approximately 1400 each.

To find out more about taking part in the upcoming election click here.

For more information please contact Carol Gordon – 027 541 2523 or email comms@rangitikei.govt.nz