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, 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.