“The Government has announced it will reform local government by removing regional councils and looking at how other councils can be merged. It has invited councils to form groups and submit their own proposals for how they could reorganise by 9 August 2026 (the ‘Head Start’ pathway). The Government has said it will make ‘in principle’ decisions to accept proposals for detailed design in September 2026. Any resulting changes would take effect at the 2028 Local Government Election.

If councils don’t make a successful proposal for change, the Government will make the decision on how councils in that region will be structured (the ‘Backstop’ pathway). These changes would take effect after the 2028 Local Government Election.

Join the conversation - Fill out our survey below by 19 July.

We want to hear your views. Your feedback will be given to the Mayor and Councillors to inform their decision-making as they consider whether to submit a Wellington region ‘Head Start’ proposal.

We will also be holding public forums during the last week of July. If you would like register your interest to attend to talk to Elected Members about this, please email engagement@wcc.govt.nz and we will be in touch with you soon.

Given the Government’s tight timelines, this is not formal consultation on a detailed proposal. If a Wellington region proposal is accepted and progressed through to detailed design, we’ll expect to come back to consult with the community to consult formally on specific options at that next stage.”

From the Parliamentary website:
Public submissions are now being called for the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill. The closing date for submissions is 11.59pm, Thursday, 02 July 2026. The Justice Committee is calling for submissions on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill.

The bill seeks to equip Police with new powers to address public disorder, where people are engaging in disorderly, and sometimes criminal, behaviour, especially around retail and hospitality premises. It would do so by amending the Summary Offences Act 1981 to introduce a new power for Police to issue move-on orders that require people who are engaging in disorderly or disruptive behaviour in public places to leave the area and not return for a specified amount of time. Disorderly or disruptive behaviour includes unreasonably obstructing entry to a trade or business, breaching the peace, begging, rough sleeping, or indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.

The bill would introduce a new power for Police to temporarily detain a person for the time necessary to obtain biographical details. It would create a new offence for failing or refusing to remain at the place where a person is detained, failing or refusing to provide biographical details, or providing false biographical details. The bill would also create a new offence for failing or refusing to comply with a move-on order, with a maximum penalty of 3 months’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding $2,000.

Explore these:

• Being emergency ready - how well do you know your building?

• Recycling - do you have options in your building?

• What Noise Annoys you in the inner-city?

• What are your questions for our Lambton Ward Councillors?

• Second Mt Victoria tunnel - what do you think?

More info here

Let the Council know what you like and don’t like in the proposed budget, for example:

• some higher Council services fees to help the budget?

• same, more or less cycleways funding?

Read our enewsletter for more info

Here is a link to our newsletter which provides links to key information sources

It’s a small action, but one that adds up. More importantly, it’s encouraging students to see the city as something they’re responsible for, not just passing through.

A big thank you
A huge shout-out goes to the local cafés supporting the programme - Volco, Aro Bake, Tuatua Cafe, and Lunch Money - thank you for supporting this! Your sponsorship helps turn a moment of civic pride into a warm drink and a place to pause. It’s so great to see local businesses backing initiatives that look after our shared spaces, especially in these challenging times.

If you happen to visit one of the participating cafés, you might like to let them know you appreciate what they’re supporting.

Every little bit matters
Even if you never pick up a piece of rubbish for a discount, it’s nice to know there are small, quiet efforts happening around the city to keep Wellington looking like the place we all love to live.

Your feedback is needed by the end of Sunday 1 February to enable our submission to be made by 7 February 2026.