'Not convinced': Upper Hutt pulls away from Wellington super-city plans

Author: Ethan Manera,
Publish Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026, 3:57pm

Plans for a Wellington super city have suffered a major setback, with Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee indicating her city is unlikely to join a proposed regional amalgamation.

Zee confirmed to the Herald she “signalled [her] position to the mayoral forum in confidence” at a meeting yesterday.

“What I can say is that we were waiting to see the financial modelling to determine the likely cost and benefits, and that modelling confirmed my scepticism around the potential benefit and also showed that it’s a high cost,” Zee said.

“I am not convinced that the benefits are likely to outweigh the costs of amalgamation.”

Local government leaders in the region have been working on an amalgamation proposal through the mayoral forum, discussing a potential super city-type merger to meet the Government’s deadline.

Ministers announced in May they were giving councils nationwide three months to come up with plans for mergers, as part of simplifying and strengthening local government.

“We are giving councils a clear choice, lead your own reform or we will do it for you,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said.

Zee had earlier appeared lukewarm on amalgamation, compared with other mayors in the region.

At a meeting last month, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little gave tentative support to a merger, and Lower Hutt Mayor Ken Laban and Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said they had the mandate from their communities to amalgamate.

Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee says the costs of amalgamation don't outweigh the benefits. Photo / UHCC

Little confirmed Horowhenua, Wairarapa and Kāpiti councils are also unlikely to join forces with Wellington, following discussions.

He said the “core minimum” proposal would see Wellington City, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt councils merge.

If Upper Hutt chose not to participate, Little said, ministers could ultimately decide to include it in a reorganisation anyway.

“That would put Upper Hutt on the back foot in terms of what happens next,” Little said.

He said the discussions between the mayors had been “pretty robust on occasion, but actually pretty constructive”.

While Zee has indicated her position, her council will make its official decision on August 5, before the August 9 deadline.

Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.