A reduced number of councillors and elections at large may become a reality for Central Otago.
At their meeting next week, Central Otago district councillors are to discuss a report on the recent representation review from council chief executive Phil Melhopt.
It recommends a proposal under which a mayor and eight councillors, two fewer than now, would be elected at large and different numbers of community board members - six on each board with four elected by the public and two appointed by council.
That would reduce the numbers for the Cromwell and Vincent boards which have seven and eight members respectively and three councillors each. The Maniototo and Roxburgh boards each have five members and one councillor.
Maintaining existing community boards, though renaming the Roxburgh board Teviot Valley, with present ward boundaries was also recommended with the exception of the Vincent ward, where it is suggested to combine the Alexandra and Earnscleugh-Manuherikia wards.
"The recommendation to council is an important change to the way we elect councillors, but stops short of a radical overhaul of our community board structure," Mayor Tony Lepper said.
"The representation review panel only heard from 1% of our population and it will be interesting to see if this latest proposal encourages greater public participation."
The council-appointed independent advisory panel reported to the council in July with nine recommendations following public workshops and submissions.
Public feedback was mostly in favour of retaining the status quo - 10 councillors, elected by ward.
However, the panel's recommended changes included fewer councillors, all elected at large; powers delegated to community boards and remuneration for members be reviewed; reducing the number of members on each board and the Roxburgh ward and community board be renamed Teviot Valley.
Councillors will decide on and adopt a proposal, based on Mr Melhopt's report, which will then be released for formal public consultation.
The proposal will determine the representation structure for the 2013 three-yearly election.
The meeting, to be held in the Alexandra council chambers on Wednesday, is open to the public.
