The Dunedin City Council is being accused of trying to shut out rural communities with its plan to abolish the city's ward system and trim community boards.
The Dunedin City Council - pictured at today's special meeting on representation. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
A representation review team has proposed the three wards be scrapped so that all 14 councillors would be elected from across the whole city.
The group also recommended merging two community boards, and cutting the number of board members elected from six to four.
From left: Dunedin community board chairs Gerard Collings, Bill Feather, Christine Garey, Steve Walker, Scott Weatherall Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
During a three-hour debate at a special council meeting this afternoon, councillors agreed to seek public feedback, though many said they were uncomfortable with aspects of the proposal.
Councillor Andrew Noone, who is the Waikouaiti Coast-Chalmers Ward's only councillor, accused the review team of shoddy work.
There is overwhelming opposition from the six community boards, some of which say they fear the long-term plan is to do away with them altogether.
Checkpoint: Dunedin Council accused of shutting out rural voices
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull - pictured at today's special council meeting. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
Professor Janine Hayward, the chair of the representation review, at today's meeting. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer