Selwyn Councillors Split Over New Voting Rules for Non-Elected Representatives

Three individuals in the Selwyn district will lose voting rights on specific council committees starting in March 2026, unless the local government secures an exemption from central Government. This change stems from a new policy that restricts voting power to elected representatives only. The Selwyn District Council is preparing an application to keep these rights, a move that has divided the council chamber.

At a recent meeting, Councillor Elizabeth Mundt was the only member to oppose the application. She argued that the central Government intended to remove non-elected members from committees, making an exemption application a contradiction of that directive. Mundt, who is standing as the New Zealand First candidate in Saturday's general election, stated that she agrees with the Government's approach. She maintained that her decision-making on council finances is kept separate from her party campaigning.

Mayor Lydia Gliddon and Chief Executive Steve Gibling backed the application. Gliddon countered Mundt's position by noting that the Government provided a pathway for exemptions, suggesting they intended for councils to use it if desired. Gliddon cautioned that there is no guarantee the application will be accepted, but argued that the option should be pursued. The council will vote on whether to proceed with the application at its November 11 meeting.

The legislative change directly impacts three individuals in Selwyn. It would prevent independent chair Bruce Gemmell and member Carol Bellette from voting on the audit and risk subcommittee. It would also remove the voting rights of Puamiria Parata-Goodall, the Te Taumutu Rūnanga mana whenua representative, on council committees. Parata-Goodall does not currently hold voting rights at full council meetings. Councils must submit any exemption requests before November 18.

Councillor Samuel Wilshire requested that the council's legal team verify the legislation's wording. He questioned whether an exemption is strictly necessary, stating he does not want to ask for permission for something the council may already possess. Wilshire described unnecessary applications as raising issues that could invite criticism. Mundt believes the loss of voting rights will not hinder the representatives' ability to provide feedback at the council table, viewing their role as guidance for elected members.

Mundt told the Selwyn Times that her stance was a personal choice and not a result of her candidacy. She said the decision reflected the views of her community and that she sees no need to apply for the exemption because she aligns with the Government's directive to limit voting rights to elected officials.