Wellington mayor Andrew Little says the government’s 9 August deadline for council amalgamation plans is too short for residents to make an informed decision.

Little says ten weeks is not enough time for communities to consider services, assets, rating, fees and debt. He still supports amalgamation and says merging Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua makes sense, while also keeping options open for Kāpiti and Wairarapa. He does not expect amalgamation to cut rates but says a metro council could manage costs and services better over time. He wants a region‑wide referendum after presenting his plan to the government.

Porirua mayor Anita Baker supports amalgamation and says her council has already polled residents. Lower Hutt has done the same. Upper Hutt mayor Peri Zee is sceptical and says she is concerned about her city’s lower rates being used to subsidise others. She is consulting residents. Kāpiti mayor Janet Holborow is surveying locals and says the council is still working through possible models.

In Wairarapa, Carterton mayor Steve Cretney says residents feel distinct from Wellington. The three district mayors are deciding whether to form a Wairarapa unitary council or join Wellington. Cretney prefers a single Wairarapa council but warns it may increase rates if regional services are not provided. Consultants Morrison Low are assessing the costs.

Local Government New Zealand president Rehette Stoltz says some councils may ask for the deadline to be extended. She says many councils do not think the timeframe is achievable. Half of metropolitan councils and 20 percent of smaller councils consider it possibly achievable. She says the initial plans required are high‑level and that a second process will begin in 2028.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he knows the timeframe is tight but argues deadlines prevent the process from dragging on.

Source: Ellen O’Dwyer – Radio New Zealand

04/06/26