One representative confirmed for council

Wairarapa will continue to have one representative on Greater Wellington Regional Council, after the Local Government Commission announced its decision on representation arrangements last week.

A three-yearly representation review is undertaken by each council, with recommendations given to the commission.

The commission received two objections but endorsed the final proposal.

The review is required by law, and is separate from any discussions about local government reform.

Council will continue to have five Wellington representatives, three Lower Hutt representatives, two for Porirua-Tawa and one each for Kapiti Coast, Upper Hutt and Wairarapa.

Greater Wellington chair Fran Wilde previously told the Times-Age that councillors agreed an extra representative for Wairarapa would not be necessary.

The idea was also rejected by regional councillors because of the possibility of changes to local government structure.

Wairarapa councillor Gary McPhee previously indicated his support for an extra representative on council.

He also said that he would consider pushing for another representative after any change to the local governance structure was made.