Under the Local Government Act, by-elections are necessary if a vacancy opens on the council or community board more than 12 months out from the next election, which is due on October 11, 2025.
Oreti Community Board chairman Colin Smith said he learned of Ms Maw’s resignation through Southland District Council chief executive Cameron McIntosh.
He was told the council had received the resignation on the grounds of health issues.
He was disappointed about the timing of the resignation as it was only a few weeks until the deadline which demanded a by-election would pass.
While Ms Maw represents the Wallacetown area, she lives in Invercargill.
Both Ms Maw and Tracy Kennedy gained their positions on the community board via unopposed nominations.
Under the Local Government Act, there is no requirement for governance members to live in the area they are representing.
The Southland District Council has 10 community boards with at least one elected councillor on its board.
Wallacetown is a rural settlement of 750 residents in 270 homes located 15km northwest of Invercargill, nestled between the Makarewa and Oreti Rivers.
Mr Smith said he would prefer Ms Maw’s replacement be someone who lived in the Wallacetown area.
"There’s some unhappy people in Wallacetown and they’ve got an opportunity now to have their say.
"You need to have board members who are willing to work and listen to the community."
He hoped the newcomer would focus on the community.
"You don’t need anyone on there with any political views — I have enough of that already."
The board was working on proposals to develop Ellerslie Square, which included upgrading the BMX track and playground equipment.
Ms Maw could not be reached for comment.
Nominations close at noon on August 29.
- By Toni McDonald
