The Thames-Coromandel District Council has voted unanimously for no change to the district's representation arrangements when it comes to local body elections.

At its March 25 meeting councillors voted in favour of keeping the current system of eight councillors plus the Mayor and five community boards with four members each.

As part of a Local Electoral Act review the Thames-Coromandel District Council voted unanimously to keep its representation arrangements unchanged. Photo: File

Councillors also said the current ward and community board boundaries should remain unchanged ahead of the 2016 elections.

The Local Electoral Act 2001 requires every local authority to undertake a representation arrangements review at least once every six years.

The last review for Thames-Coromandel was in 2009, meaning another one must take place this year.

Following this initial resolution in favour of the status quo, Coromandel locals now have a chance to have a say.

Council says public can voice their views by making a submission before May 15.

'After that, submissions are heard and on June 24 council adopts its final resolution.

'This is followed by a public objection period and then in August the Local Government Commission reviews the outcome.”

The LEA says the population that each councillor represents must be within the population range of 3,441 people plus or minus 10 per cent.

The Coromandel-Colville Ward falls outside that range, with a population of 2,950 and one councillor.

But a territorial authority – such as the Thames-Coromandel District Council – can vary from that range if an isolated or island community exists.

'Our Council believes the Coromandel-Colville Ward is a distinct community of interest isolated by geographical features and as such is deemed to be an isolated community.

'As such, it is not able to comply with the plus or minus 10 per cent range.”

According to the LEA, the decision not to comply with this population range must be referred to the Local Government Commission once the formal consultation process has been completed.

Public submissions open April 2 and close on May 15. Physical copies are available at our offices in Thames, Whitianga, Whangamata and Coromandel Town.

To download a submission form, or to view council's public notice on the review of representation arrangements and the Election Services 2015 Representation Arrangements visit: www.tcdc.govt.nz/representationreview