South Wairarapa commit to 'big step'

South Wairarapa councillors are on board for the merger of all three Wairarapa councils - a unitary authority - that would be responsible for all district and regional activities.

With the backing of Carterton District Council and Masterton District Council, an application proposing a unitary authority will be put forward to the Local Government Commission.

Councillors unanimously voted for one Wairarapa council at the South Wairarapa District Council meeting yesterday.

Mayor Adrienne Staples said it was a big step.

Councillor Solitaire Robinson said regardless of what happens, there would always be one South Wairarapa.

Councillor Julie Riddell said Masterton councillor Gary Caffell's idea to keep the regional council along with a single council was not relevant.

"It was discussed and discarded a long time ago."

Region-wide, only Masterton councillors Doug Bracewell, David Holmes, Chris Peterson and Mr Caffell were in favour of Mr Caffell's motion, while all other councillors favoured a unitary authority.