500 signatures reached
To: PETITION TO THE CARTERTON AND MASTERTON DISTRICT COUNCILS AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION
ONE WAIRARAPA
To the Mayor's, Councillors of Carterton and Masterton District Councils, and the Local Government Commission: We, the undersigned ratepayers and electors of the South Wairarapa District and supportive residents of New Zealand, formally record our opposition to any decision, resolution, or submission that merges South Wairarapa into a Wellington-wide mega-council or unitary authority. We request that the South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) align directly with Carterton District Council and Masterton District Council to establish a standalone Wairarapa Unitary Authority.
Why is this important?
Local Representation and Voice:
South Wairarapa comprises distinct rural, small-town and coastal communities. Absorption into a Wellington-centric council will dilute local governance, reducing our rural voice to a tiny minority against urban Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua interests.
Community Preference:
Independent surveying across the valley demonstrates overwhelming public backing (over 76%) for a single Wairarapa unitary authority combining Carterton, Masterton and South Wairarapa, compared to negligible support for a Greater Wellington model.
Rating and Financial Autonomy:
Rates generated in the Wairarapa to fund local infrastructure, roads, drainage and rural services rather than subsidising large-scale infrastructure over the Remutakas.
Geographic and Economic Cohesion:
Our catchment management, primary production, roading networks and community identity are tied directly to our Wairarapa neighbours in Carterton and Masterton- not metropolitan Wellington.