Stakeholder forum helps shape Lower Hutt's voice on local government reorganisation

The forum, held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre, will help inform Hutt City Council's response to the Government's proposal to explore changes to local government in the Wellington region through its voluntary Head Start process.

Representatives from Mana Whenua, sporting and cultural groups, residents’ associations, advocacy and support organisations and business groups discussed what matters most to their communities and how local government can best serve future generations.

Mayor Ken Laban says the discussion showed people care deeply about Lower Hutt's future.

"Thank you to everyone who shared their views so openly. There was a real passion for protecting Lower Hutt's voice and local decision-making while making sure we're building a financially sustainable local government system for our mokopuna.

“People weren't focused on politics. They wanted evidence-based decisions that protect our community's interests. That's exactly the perspective we need as we continue this work."

Former Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, who helped lead Auckland through its council amalgamation, shared lessons from that experience.

"Creating a larger organisation doesn't automatically make it cheaper or improve services. Scale alone doesn't deliver better outcomes.

"Whatever model is considered, communities must stay connected to decision-making. If people feel decisions are being made too far away from them, it's much harder to build trust and achieve positive outcomes."

Participants discussed three key ideas and gave the following insights:

• What functions and decisions should remain local? Key priorities were retaining local decision-making and community voice – including Mana Whenua - and maintaining local control of facilities, assets and fundin
• What would success look like? Better outcomes for communities and retaining a strong local voice while collaborating regionally where it delivers better infrastructure, services and value. Success looks like an improved quality of life for all communities.
• What did they want to tell the Mayor and Councillors? Participants consistently asked elected members to lead with courage, transparency and integrity. The strongest message was that Council remain firmly focused on protecting local communities, maintaining meaningful local representation, communicating openly, and advocating strongly for Lower Hutt's interests.

The forum builds on a public survey held in June, which received feedback from 418 people. It also complements a Cross-Council Community Reference Group established by several councils across the wider Wellington region, which provides ongoing community insight through multiple rounds of discussion as proposals and ideas evolve.

More information and all engagement results are available here

Feedback will help shape Hutt City Council's position before elected members decide whether to take part in the Government's Head Start process at a Council meeting on 5 August.

Any regional proposal must be submitted to the Government by 14 August.