Wellington Mayor Andrew Little wants councils to hold referendums on amalgamation. He says the government’s 9 August deadline is too short for residents to make an informed decision. He chairs the Wellington Mayoral Forum and says any change must have clear public support.

Two councils – Hutt City and Porirua – asked voters about amalgamation in 2024. Most supported exploring a single council for the Hutt Valley, Porirua and Wellington. Little says he would vote in favour of merging.

The Wellington Ratepayers’ Alliance supports a referendum. It says the government’s ten‑week timeframe is not enough for proper public engagement.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts says consultation methods are up to councils. He says the three‑month window is only for high‑level proposals under the voluntary Head Start process. Detailed work would continue until final decisions in 2027, ahead of the 2028 local elections. Councils not ready can use the Backstop process after 2028.

Source: Paris Ibell / Radio New Zealand

08/06/26