MDC opts to retain structure with change looming

Masterton District Council has recommended it keeps its current representation arrangements because local council structures may be changing anyway.

Councils must review their representation every six years. The current structure includes four urban councillors, one rural councillor and five councillors elected at large.

Council recommended keeping the status quo and will make the final proposal to the Local Government Commission after considering public submissions.

Councils in the Wellington region are looking at their possible structures, including the possibility of an amalgamation of the three Wairarapa councils.

Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell said there was no point changing the representation when there would be a possibility of change again in the near future.

"Those issues are certainly being looked at - in light of that we see little point in making a change there."

Mr Daniell said if the governance debate wasn't ongoing the councillors may have looked into the options more closely and may have reached a different outcome. "Council were cautious of making some sort of interim decision."

Submissions on the proposal must be with council by 4pm on September 11.