Upper Hutt mayor Peri Zee is urging Wellington councils not to force the city into an amalgamation it does not support.

Councils must submit reform plans by 9 August, but Wellington region leaders remain divided. The current proposal merges Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Porirua, along with three Wairarapa councils and possibly Kāpiti, with community councils beneath them.

A leaked email from Wellington mayor Andrew Little said Upper Hutt planned to vote against joining a metro council. Zee intended to ask councillors across the region to amend any proposal to exclude Upper Hutt. She told RNZ she was sceptical of amalgamation and had not seen a clear value proposition. She said the region already had strong governance in areas like transport.

Consultants MartinJenkins estimated a Wellington–Hutt Valley–Porirua council would cost $290m to establish and save $930m over 25 years. Zee said the benefits were insufficient for ratepayers and asked other councils to respect Upper Hutt’s decision if it votes no.

Little said his proposal would still include the four metro councils. He said ministers could require Upper Hutt’s inclusion and that meeting the deadline was important to avoid leaving decisions to the Government. He believed long‑term savings justified amalgamation.

A survey of 3016 Wellington residents showed majority support for progressing merger plans. Eighty‑five percent backed councillors putting forward proposals.

Residents and experts remain split. Ellen Blake said forced amalgamation threatened Wellington’s unique identity and programmes. Climate consultant Matt Raeburn supported merging, saying a unified council would strengthen the region’s climate response and reduce reliance on central government.

Little said councillors were still debating the issue and expected a decision next week.

Source: Ellen O’Dwyer / Radio New Zealand

30/07/26