Amalgamation submissions are in: Mayor Andrew Little joins Nick Mills on the show

Publish Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2026, 12:39pm

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The deadline has passed, and two amalgamation proposals have been submitted by the Wellington region's councils.

The two plans are one big regional council - supported by Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Porirua and South Wairarapa, and a separate Wairarapa council supported by Masterton and Carterton.

Upper Hutt and Kapiti have decided to go alone.

Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little joins the show to share details of the submission, what's likely to happen next, and how he thinks the government will take on the proposals.

Also, the deal with South Wairarapa, and the likelihood of a separate Wairarapa unitary authority.

Does he expect the government will accept the proposals as is?

Then the Mayor shares his memories of Takapū/Northern Ward Councillor Tony Randle who sadly passed over the weekend.

He is remembered as a devoted councillor, family man, provided valued analysis and quality decision-making for the council, and was a staunch advocate for transport services in the city.

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