A mistake in the submissions form means Otago Regional Council (ORC) is extending the public consultation period for its review of councillor seat allocation.

In July the ORC launched public consultation on the proposal to increase the number of councillor seats representing the Dunstan constituency due to population growth.

However, the submissions form did not ask for contact details, which are required under the Local Electoral Act.

ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said the 120 submissions received will still be counted, but he encouraged those people to resubmit so they can be advised of their rights to attend future hearings.

He said the extension to the submission period - now closing September 8 - also gave residents longer to have their say.

“Hopefully in extending the consultation period we can build further on the number of submissions on the representation review,” he said.

The review asks the public to weigh-in on the breakdown of councillor seat representation across Otago.

ORC currently has 12 councillors, elected from four constituencies: Dunstan, Moeraki, Molyneux and Dunedin.

It is proposing to reduce the number of seats in Dunedin’s (from six to five) and boost Dunstan’s (from three to four).

Read more: Fifth constituency recommended to ORC

Because the Upper Clutha is within the Dunstan constituency, an increase in councillor seats here would mean more local representation.

Find more information and make a submission here.

PHOTO: ORC