Mayors’ summit: from left, Ron Mark, Carterton District Council, Ray Wallace, Lower Hutt City Council, Adrienne Staples, South Wairarapa District Council, Wayne Guppy, Upper Hutt City Council, Garry Daniell, Masterton District Council

Joint Mayoral Statement
Mayors from the Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa have agreed to explore the benefits of unitary authorities in a show of solidarity against a Wellington regional super city, says Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace.

A summit of the five Mayors from the affected local authorities, chaired by Mayor Wallace, met in Martinborough this week and discussed issues around local government reorganisation.

“Wairarapa local authorities have made a commitment to pursue one unitary authority for their region and the two Hutt Valley cities have undertaken to explore the impact of creating a united valley.

“The merits of a single unitary authority for Hutt Valley will be discussed by our respective councils before going back to the community with an outline of local governance options.

“Both Hutt Valley city councils have a majority community support for retaining the status quo and it is unlikely that a preferred option will be finalised by the Local Government Commission prior to the local body elections in October.

“We want to ensure the final proposal represents the best outcome for our respective communities and we intend to continue engaging with all local authorities across the Wellington over the coming months.

“Sharing a common bond with the Wairarapa is a show of unity at a time when there is pressure from some local authorities for a super city that is not supported by our communities,” says Mayor Wallace.

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