The Taxpayers’ Union has called for a binding referendum on any proposal to amalgamate Wellington’s councils, following comments from Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee indicating her council is likely to oppose amalgamation. The organisation argues that ratepayers, not mayors or councillors, should have the final say on local government reform of this scale.
Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen welcomed open debate among councils about amalgamation, describing it as preferable to top-down restructuring. However, he emphasised that regardless of whether individual councils support or oppose amalgamation, the decision must ultimately rest with those who fund local government through rates.
The statement reflects ongoing discussion about potential council mergers in the Wellington region. Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee’s indication that her council is likely to oppose amalgamation suggests not all councils in the region are aligned on the question of local government reform.
The Taxpayers’ Union maintains that any reform of this magnitude requires clear backing from ratepayers through a binding referendum. This position places decision-making power directly with residents and ratepayers rather than elected representatives or council officials, reflecting debate about who should determine the structure of local government in New Zealand.
Read the full article at Taxpayers’ Union – News →
Source: Taxpayers’ Union – News. This summary was published by Input Ltd via amalgamation.nz, New Zealand’s central resource for local government amalgamation news and council merger updates.
