From 1 July 2025 we're changing to a fees up front payment system. This means that payment is made at the application stage and when we have granted the application we can issue it to the customer at the same time - speeding up the turnaround time on building consents. Any additional processing time (recoverable on an actual and reasonable basis, as per the Building Act 2004 s281B) and planning/engineering approval charges (if applicable) will be invoiced at the end of processing.
10. The Electoral System
10.3. Representation Arrangements
The Council currently has 11 Councillors elected via a Ward System. There are four representatives for each of the Matamata and Morrinsville Wards and three for the Te Aroha Ward. A Mayor is elected at large throughout the district.
Under the Local Electoral Act 2001 Council is required to review its representation arrangements at least once every six years. The Council last conducted a review in 2012. It is legally required to review representation again in 2018.
This review must include the following:
- the number of elected members (within the legal requirement to have a minimum of six and a maximum of 30 members, including the Mayor);
- whether the elected members (other than the Mayor) shall be elected by the entire district, or whether the district will be divided into wards for electoral purposes, or whether there will be a mix of 'at large' and 'ward' representation;
- if election by wards is preferred, then the boundaries and names of those wards and the number of members that will represent each ward;
- whether or not to have separate wards for electors on the Maori roll;
- whether to have community boards and if so how many, their boundaries and membership and whether to subdivide a community for electoral purposes.
The Council must follow the procedure set out in the Local Electoral Act 2001 when conducting this review, and should also follow guidelines published by the Local Government Commission. The Local Electoral Act 2001 gives electors the right to make a written submission to the Council, and the right to be heard in support of that submission. In determining all matters relating to representation, Council must ensure that the election of members will provide fair and effective representation of communities within the District.
People also have the right to appeal any decisions on the above to the Local Government Commission which will make a binding decision on the appeal. Further details on the matters that the Council must consider in reviewing its membership and basis of election can be found in the Local Electoral Act 2001.
