Greater Wellington — Simplifying local government

The Government is progressing changes to local government across New Zealand. The goal is to be more efficient and avoid duplication across neighbouring councils. Under the Government’s Simplifying Local Government reform programme, councils may be combined into larger unitary authorities.

A unitary authority is a single council that does the work of local and regional councils. This means one organisation looks after everything from regional responsibilities like environmental management, public transport, and flood protection through to local services like roads, rubbish collection, and community facilities.

What’s proposed?

The Government has invited councils across New Zealand to explore potential local government amalgamation through a fast-tracked ‘Head Start’ process.

The process gives council until 9 August 2026 to work together to explore options, test ideas and put forward regional proposals that reflect the needs of local communities.

What happens next?

Councils in the Wellington Region have established regional joint working group to explore future local governance options including amalgamation. The group, chaired by Greater Wellington, will put forward a reform proposal to the Local Government Commission.

Community views are being collected through both local council engagement activities and a cross-council community reference group. Feedback will help councils understand community perspectives as options are developed and assessed.

Cross-council community reference group feedback

A number of councils from across the wider Wellington region have established an online cross-council community reference group to provide ongoing community insight for participating councils as amalgamation discussions gain momentum through the Government's Head Start process. Participating councils include Greater Wellington Regional Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Horowhenua District Council, Masterton District Council and Carterton District Council). Wellington City Council, Kāpiti District Council and South Wairarapa District Council are undertaking separate engagement activities, and findings from the reference group should not be considered representative of those council areas.

Cross-Council Community Reference Panel - First Engagement

Second engagement – Cross-Council Community Reference Panel: Amalgamation

Local engagement opportunities

Learn more about your city and district council perspective, including how to get involved in consultations and stay updated on progress and outcomes.

Porirua City Council

Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council

Kāpiti Coast District Council

Masterton District Council

South Wairarapa District Council

Carterton District Council

Wellington City Council