Local Government Amalgamation
The Government has invited councils across New Zealand to explore potential local government amalgamations through a fast-tracked “Head Start” process.
This process gives Councils a limited window to work together to explore options, test ideas and put forward regional proposals that reflect the needs of local communities. If Councils do not lead this work themselves, the Government says it will step in and make the decisions.
Councils across the wider Wellington region, Wairarapa, Kāpiti and Horowhenua - including Hutt City Council - are now participating in this Head Start process to ensure our communities have a voice in shaping any future proposals.
No decisions have been made.
This work is at an early stage but moving quickly, and Hutt City Council is taking part to make sure the interests, needs and voice of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt are represented.
Have your say
Local government amalgamation could bring opportunities, challenges, and different outcomes for Lower Hutt and the wider Wellington region. We invite you to share your views through this form to help us understand the range of perspectives across our community and inform ongoing discussions. The survey closes 5pm, Sunday 14 June 2026.
About the regional work programme
The work is being led through the Wellington Mayoral Forum, made up of Mayors from across the Wellington region, Wairarapa, Kāpiti and Horowhenua.
The Forum is exploring whether changes to local government structures could help Councils better meet future challenges and deliver improved outcomes for communities.
Mayor Andrew Little chairs the forum, with Mayor Fran Wilde serving as Deputy Chair. Mayor Ken Laban is representing the interests of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.
The wider programme is being supported by a regional working group made up of Council chief executives and senior staff from across the region. Independent advisory and technical support is also being used to help assess options, financial impacts and governance models.
Why amalgamation is being considered
The Wellington region already works as one connected region in many ways. People live, work, travel and use services across Council boundaries every day. The land, water and environment in the region are all interconnected.
Local government is facing growing pressure from:
- rising infrastructure costs
- increasing rates affordability challenges
- major national reforms
- changing community expectations
- the need to plan and deliver services across Council boundaries
This work is about exploring whether there are better ways to organise local government so it is more efficient, financially sustainable and better able to deliver for communities.
What matters to us
Hutt City Council will approach this work with a clear focus on:
- protecting strong local voice and representation
- keeping communities informed
- making sure any proposal is evidence-led
- understanding the impacts for Lower Hutt residents, businesses and communities
- supporting long-term affordability and financial sustainability
- strengthening partnership with Mana Whenua
- being open and transparent about what is being considered
What this could mean for Lower Hutt
At this stage, no decisions have been made about any future structure.
Any proposal would need to consider how local identity, local decision-making and community voice are protected.
Our role is to make sure Lower Hutt’s interests are understood and represented as regional discussions continue.
What happens next
The regional work is moving quickly, with key discussions and decisions expected between June and August 2026.
Important milestones include:
| Timing | What's happening |
|---|---|
| Late May | Mayoral Forum considers the work programme |
| Early June | Early structural options and design principles tested |
| Mid June | Mana Whenua engagement |
| Mid-late June | Direction and engagement approach considered |
| Late June | Early Council and Mana Whenua engagement |
| July | Further analysis, financial information and proposal direction |
| Late July | Council papers expected to be released publicly |
| Early August | Council meetings and feedback |
| 14 August | Proposal due to Government through the Head Start pathway |
We’ll keep you updated
We know changes to local government matter to our communities.
We are committed to keeping residents, businesses, Mana Whenua, community groups and stakeholders informed every step of the way as this work develops.
More information will be shared as it becomes available, including opportunities to provide feedback once the regional engagement approach is confirmed.