At a meeting held at the council chambers last Tuesday it was decided a single rural ward would be formed from the amalgamation of the current Kaiwera-Waimumu and Waikaka wards.
The number of councillors will not change and the proposal will allow for two members to be elected to the ward.
The change reflected a singular community of interest in rural issues and will provide more choice for voters in the formation of the council.
The newly formed rural ward will represent 3370 people.
