Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt have taken opposite positions on local government reform.

Lower Hutt councillors voted 11–2 to submit a proposal for a Wellington–Wairarapa supercity with community councils. Upper Hutt councillors voted the same evening to withdraw from any amalgamation plan and not support a Wellington–Wairarapa model.

Upper Hutt mayor Peri Zee said she could not endorse amalgamation. She cited high costs, uncertain savings and risks to affordability, representation and local decision‑making. A petition signed by 365 residents opposed amalgamation and called for a referendum mandate before any further discussions.

Lower Hutt mayor Ken Laban said the decision was difficult but necessary to ensure locals had influence over future reforms.

Wairarapa councils were also split: Carterton and Masterton favour a single Wairarapa authority, while South Wairarapa voted to support a Wellington–Wairarapa model.

The region’s eight mayors will meet on Friday to finalise a proposal for Local Government Minister Simon Watts.

Read the full article at https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/361056737/upper-hutt-rejects-amalgamation-tempts-fate-government

Source: Justin Wong / Local Democracy Reporting / The Post

A “thank you” to the editor of The Post for allowing The Upper Hutt Connection to publish summaries of their articles.

06/08/26