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
10.4. Maori Wards
The Local Electoral Act 2001 gives Council the ability to establish separate wards for Maori electors. Council may resolve to create separate Maori wards or conduct a poll on this matter, or the community may demand a poll by way of a petition signed by at least 5% of eligible electors within the district.
If it is decided to establish Maori wards and that decision is made less than two years prior to the next triennial elections then it will not apply until the subsequent election and must remain in effect for at least two triennial elections. The numbers of seats in Maori ward/s is allocated according to the percentage of voters who are registered on the Maori roll.
