PHOTO: ODT FILESThe members of the "independent" advisory group which put together proposals under the Queenstown Lakes representation review are experienced and knowledgeable. About three-quarters of the 302 submissions on the representation review came from the Upper Clutha. The QLDC decided, in its final decision last Thursday to go back to their experts’ view and ditch a separate Arrowtown ward. One of the advantages of the Queenstown-side split is that Upper Clutha ward numbers are not swamped by the larger numbers in one ward across the hill. But the representation review process became a good example of democracy in practice.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 20, 2021 16:30 UTC