Notice of Proposed Electoral Boundaries and Classification of Electorates The Representation Commission hereby gives notice that it proposes to make a division of New Zealand into 61 General electoral districts and 6 Maori electoral districts in accordance with sections 35 and 45 of the Electoral Act 1993 and to classify districts for the purposes of the Higher Salaries Commission Act 1977. The following information is supplied pursuant to sections 38 and 45 of the Electoral Act 1993 and for the assistance of the public: 1. From 10 a.m. on Thursday, 26 March 1998 the public may inspect, without charge, at the places listed in the Schedule hereto: (a) a description of the boundaries of the proposed districts, including maps thereof; and (b) a summary, in respect of each proposed district, of the reasons why the boundaries described are being proposed; and (c) a classification of the proposed districts for the purposes of the Higher Salaries Commission Act 1977. The above descriptions in text form only can be viewed on http://www.govt.nz/elections 1998 Proposed Boundaries. 2. The Representation Commission will receive written objections to the proposed boundaries and to the proposed classification, if in the hands of the Commission not later than Wednesday, 29 April 1998. 3. Objections must be in writing and should clearly state: [sp'ii'](i) the name, address and telephone contact number (day and night) of the objector, [sp'i'](ii) the electorate(s) to which the objection applies, (iii) the specific provision objected to, (iv) the grounds of the objection, [sp'i'](v) the precise change(s) suggested by the objector to overcome the objection, both within the electorate and for any electorates consequentially affected, and (iv) whether the objector wishes to speak briefly to their objection before meetings of the Commission to be held at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin as required and possibly other locations in mid-June 1998. Notes: Where objection is taken to different proposals of the Commission a separate objection should be filed in respect of each proposal. A suggested format for objections is available at the Places of Inspection. Objections and Counter-objections may relate to the names of Proposed electorates. Whether or not an objector is heard, his or her written objection will be fully considered. 4. The Commission gives further notice that any objection may be lodged either: by post addressed to The Secretary Representation Commission PO Box 3220 Wellington or by Facsimile to Facsimile Number (04) 473 8864 or by hand delivery before 5 pm to Chief Electoral Office Level 1 110 Featherston Street Wellington or by e-mail to representation.commission@justice.govt.nz 5. Late objections cannot be considered, i.e. those received after Wednesday, 29 April 1998. 6. Objectors to electoral boundaries are requested to relate the grounds of their objections, and the precise changes suggested by them, to the following statutory considerations: All electorates must contain electoral populations varying not more than 5 percent from the following quotas: Quota 5% Allowance North Island General Electorates 53,690 / 2,684 South Island General Electorates 54,105 / 2,705 Maori Electorates 56,166 / 2,808 Within those allowances, the Commission is required by law to give due consideration to certain criteria. In the case of General electoral districts these criteria are the existing boundaries of the General electoral districts, community of interest, facilities of communications, topographical features, and any projected variation in the General electoral population of those districts during their life. In the case of Maori electoral districts these criteria are the existing boundaries of the Maori electoral districts, community of interest among the Maori people generally and members of Maori tribes, facilities of communications, topographical features, and any projected variation in the Maori electoral population of those districts during their life. 7. All objections will be published in a summary form (which will include the objector's name) and will be open for public inspection for the purpose of allowing counter-objections to be filed. A public notice inviting counter-objections is expected to be Gazetted on 8 May 1998. Dated at Wellington this 23rd day of March 1998. B. J. KENDALL, Chairman of the Representation Commission. Schedule of Places for Inspection General and Maori Electorates 1 The offices of all District Councils, City Councils, Chatham Islands County and Te Puia Springs Service Centre. 2 The offices of all Registrars of Electors. 3 Te Puni Kokiri (Regional Development Offices) at Whangarei, Auckland, South Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Tauranga, Whakatane, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Gisborne, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim and Christchurch. 4 Maori Land Court Offices at Whangarei, Hamilton, Rotorua, Gisborne, Hastings, Turangi, Wanganui, Wellington and Christchurch. 5 Maori Trust Board Offices at Aupouri (Kaitaia), Hauraki (Paeroa), Tauranga Moana (Tauranga), Tuwharetoa (Turangi), Ngai Tahu (Christchurch). 6 Other locations Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust (Auckland), Te Rununga O Kikikiriroa (Hamilton), Te Runanga O Te Whanau (Opotiki), Wakatu Inc. (Nelson), Manukau Urban Maori Authority. Note: Public Libraries and Land Information New Zealand Offices have not been gazetted as places for inspection. Maps of New Zealand showing proposed General and Maori electorates together with descriptions and reasons relevant to the area are available at most major libraries and the Land Information New Zealand regional offices at Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and branch offices at New Plymouth, Gisborne, Napier, Blenheim, Nelson, Hokitika and Invercargill.