Wellington region councils divided over proposed mega-merger reforms

Thursday 6 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 6 Aug, 6:44pm

In this story South Wairarapa District Council, Masterton District Council, Kieran McAnulty

Local government leaders across the Wellington region are voting on whether to merge as part of government-ordered reforms. While some councils support a large-scale merger, others remain divided, with elected members in Wairarapa noting there is insufficient time to complete the process.

How they headlined it

5:29pm6:44pm

1. The PostThu 6 Aug, 5:29pm

   Wairarapa’s councillors were faced with ‘impossible situation’, MP says (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 6 Aug, 6:44pm

   Wellington councils advance ‘Head Start’ reform plans despite split over mega-merger (opens in new tab)