Hutt City Mayor Ken Laban says amalgamation will stay on the table after Government pause

The government has announced amalgamation talks have paused until after the election.

Mayor Laban says the quality of the Wellington headstart proposal submitted by Hutt City, Wellington City, Porirua and South Waiarapa is "outstanding, it's comprehensive".

Laban says the region will continue preparing for amalgamation.

He believes regardless of a change in government the councils will still amalgamate by 2028, with a potential extension to 2029.

Mills asked why other Mayors are complaining about wasted money from the delay, Laban said "you'll have to ask him about that".

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