Amalgamation priority: Laidlaw

New GWRC head Chris Laidlaw says he wants to find a "meeting of minds" with councils on amalgamation.

Greater Wellington's new chairman says his "first and overriding priority" is to work with councils on amalgamation.

Chris Laidlaw was yesterday elected chairman of the Greater Wellington Regional Council at a council meeting. His election followed Fran Wilde's resignation as chairwoman.

The former All Black said he wanted to find a "meeting of minds" with councils on amalgamation.

"A lot has been said about the issue in recent months but from my perspective I want to start again from a clean slate," he said. "The important thing is to find a consensus that will work for everybody in the region and that will reassure people that local identity and decision-making will remain local.

"But there are some big issues facing the region that we are not currently set up to tackle so we need to do some serious thinking about what we do next."

Mr Laidlaw said he was encouraged with progress on water quality and hazard management.

"Today we signed off on an ambitious 10 Year Plan for the region that will see a significant investment in infrastructure to boost resilience as well as continuing to improve public transport.

"We also approved a Proposed Natural Resources Plan that involved extensive consultation around the region ...

"I'm looking forward to continuing to work closely with other councils and stakeholders in advancing the outcomes that are so important for the region," he said.

Ms Wilde will remain a councillor.