Wellington councillors back super-merger, prefer excluding Wairarapa

Wellington city councillors unanimously agreed to submit a super-merger proposal to the government, preferring to exclude Wairarapa but backing a wider regional model if mayors agree. Regional mayors decide Friday on the final model, potentially merging eight councils into a Wellington-Wairarapa unitary council. Councils are divided: Upper Hutt opposes forced amalgamation, while some Wairarapa districts want their own council. Mayor Andrew Little called the plan imperfect but necessary, citing economic stagnation and climate unpreparedness. Councillors also sought advice on a possible resident referendum, though central government signaled opposition.