The Rotorua District Council comprises a Mayor and 12 Councillors elected at three-year intervals. Voters elect the Mayor at large, while Councillors are elected under a Ward system.
Under the current basis of election, Rotorua District is divided into four Wards: North, South, East and West - view ward map. The division reflects geographical situation to some extent but the prime elements are that each Ward has some urban and rural content and are of equivalent population. Three Councillors represent each Ward. The basis of election and representation must be reviewed at least once in every six years. Council undertook a review of representation during 2006 for the 2007 triennial elections.
As a result of this review, a Rotorua Lakes Community Board was established - view Community Board Map 50KB. Elections for 4 Community Board members will be held for the first time in October 2007.
Apart from the establishment of the community board there was no other change to Council's present representation
Candidates for Council do not have to be residents of Rotorua to stand for election. They must be a parliamentary elector and New Zealand citizen. Candidates therefore do not have to live in the District, Ward or Community they wish to stand for. Elected members come from all walks of life. In a democracy, a Council should have a diverse range of qualifications and experience.
Candidates can stand for either a territorial authority or a regional council. The law prevents anyone from standing for both a territorial authority and a regional council. Candidates can stand for Mayor for Council and Community Board but cannot stand for election in more than one Ward.
Candidates may stand under a political ticket.
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