As the discussion over possible council amalgamation heats up across the region, we asked Porirua City Council candidates:
“Do you support or oppose amalgamation, and what are your reasons for your position?”
With around half of all local votes historically cast in the final three days, these answers give voters a clear sense of how their candidates view the future of Porirua’s independence and regional cooperation.
Ura Wilson-Pokoati
I oppose amalgamation, but I support exploring and discussing what a model might look like so we can understand the pros and cons and make an informed decision. Porirua has spent more than 60 years growing into a vibrant, self-determined city. We have built strong, respectful relationships with mana whenua, especially Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and a cultural identity that reflects our diverse communities. Amalgamation risks diluting that.
Experience from other parts of Aotearoa shows real risks we must weigh carefully before agreeing to any amalgamation:
- Loss of local voice and representation
- Job insecurity for local workers
- Cultural erosion and bureaucratic centralisation
Porirua is a model of inclusive governance and community-led development. We should protect that legacy, not merge it into obscurity.
Moze Galo – Onepoto Ward
I do not support full amalgamation. Working together across councils makes sense for some services, but merging everything into one large council risks losing local voices and identity. Porirua has its own character and communities that deserve direct representation. I support collaboration, not centralisation.
Yan Zhang – Onepoto Ward
I oppose any rushed amalgamation. Porirua has a unique community identity and culture that should not be diluted by larger regional structures. We should first strengthen our own governance, financial transparency, and local infrastructure collaboration before considering structural changes.
Anita Baker – Mayor of Porirua
I believe greater regional cooperation can benefit Porirua in areas like transport, infrastructure, and planning. But any move toward amalgamation must have strong public backing. That’s why I supported including a non-binding question on this year’s ballot to make sure the community’s voice is heard before any decisions are made.
Geoff Hayward – Onepoto Ward
I’m not opposed to all amalgamations, just those based on flawed logic dressed up to make every problem we have in Porirua suddenly disappear. Bigger isn’t always better, and a super-council would only move decisions further away from our communities. We should be strengthening collaboration between councils, not erasing local voices. Porirua deserves representation that understands our people, our whenua, and the challenges unique to our city.
Kathleen Filo – Mayoral Candidate & Onepoto General Ward
We need proper business cases, real data, and evidence before deciding. Right now there is not enough information for people to make an informed choice. In the meantime, what we can do is focus on managing our money better and strengthening local accountability.
Moira Lawler – Pāuatahanui Ward
I support exploring regional shared services to create consistency across the region. I’m not opposed to exploring amalgamation but don’t support a single council based in Wellington. My preference would be local decision-making on local issues and shared services on regional issues such as district plans, building consents, and parks management.
Ross Leggett – Mayor of Porirua
We should closely consider the pros and cons of the region working more closely together, including possible amalgamation. The next step, should ratepayers support the referendum question, will involve detailed analysis and clear communication about the costs and benefits before anything could happen.
Chris Ellis – Onepoto Ward
About 70% of Council operating expenditure currently goes on water-related services. Those services will soon be within the realm of Wellington Water so to a large, practical extent we are already committed to amalgamation. So I don’t think this is a good time to be getting rid of our own City Council. We’ll need Porirua residents, committed to public service, who can keep an eye on this shotgun marriage and advocate for our city.
Rawinia Rimene – Porirua Māori Ward
I oppose amalgamation. Porirua deserves autonomous leadership rooted in local values, not diluted decision-making across a super-council. Our communities thrive when governance is close to the ground, responsive, and culturally intelligent.
Nathan Waddle – Pāuatahanui Ward
I support it. It has to adapt from previous amalgamations in our country and be set up to maintain real local voice and real benefits for the people who call Porirua home.
Phill Houlihan – ACT Party Candidate
I oppose amalgamation because it limits choice and competition between councils and increases bureaucracy.
Brent Ching – Onepoto Ward
I support the concept of amalgamation. The combined population of Wellington, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt is less than Christchurch, yet we operate and fund four separate councils. Combining resources would offer long-term savings and improve service delivery.
Kylie Wihapi – Pāuatahanui Ward
I don’t have a fixed position on this at the moment. It will be interesting to see the outcome of the non-binding referendum.
Josh Trlin – Pāuatahanui Ward
I don’t have strong feelings either way, although I lean toward some form of amalgamation to improve efficiency and coordination as a region. The detail matters: any model must preserve Porirua’s voice and identity. I voted “Yes” in the referendum to explore options but my final position will depend on what’s proposed.