Staples: Give voice to governance debate

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said the commission's reasoning on a super-city merger including Wairarapa was ludicrous.

The super-city council recommendation came as no surprise to South Wairarapa councillors and now they are urging people to make a submission during the public consultation phase.

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said the commission's reasoning was ludicrous.

"Obviously, we are disappointed. I believe the reasons that they've put up for Wairarapa to be a part of Wellington are ludicrous.

"They basically said one reason is that we can't afford it."

But they had chosen to disregard all the work the three Wairarapa councils had done, such as the Martin Jenkins report.

Mrs Staples said there was no point in getting angry and she encouraged submissions.

"I'll be calling for the community to be involved in the conversation."

Martinborough ward councillor Julie Riddell said there was a sombre feeling in the room after the announcement was made.

"I was disappointed, it wasn't unexpected but to actually hear it was different."

Greytown ward councillor Margaret Craig said the commissioners stated flood control and transport were unaffordable for a Wairarapa unitary authority, but she believed it was not insurmountable.

"My reaction is they haven't taken into consideration anything put forward by the Wairarapa councils."

She said it was now time to concentrate on making sure people exercised their right to vote.

"It's almost definite there will be a poll, there's an appetite there."

Featherston ward councillor Solitaire Robertson said she was absolutely gutted and the region would not have a democratic representation.

"Two [Wairarapa councillors] is just ridiculous.

"It wasn't unexpected but I'm completely gutted at the disregard by the commissioners as to what Wairarapa wants."

Featherston ward councillor Dean Davies said he personally didn't like it but it was not much of a surprise.

"There is a little concern the rural community will lose a voice somewhere along the way if it does become part of a super city."

Martinborough ward councillor Brian Jephson was also not surprised.

"The big feeling is that Wairarapa and Hutt Valley wouldn't get the representation they want."

He said there was still a lot more work to be done before anything was set in stone.

Featherston ward councillor Colin Olds said he was thoroughly disappointed.

"In my view, they ignored the views of Wairarapa people and the councils."

Greytown ward councillor David Montgomerie said it was still possible nothing would change and it was now in the hands of the public.

Councillors Viv Napier and Max Stevens were unavailable for comment.

-Submissions to the proposal can be made to submissions@lgc.govt.nz.