Wairarapa council merger verdict near

Wairarapa ratepayers will soon find out if their councils could merge into one unitary authority or into a super city structure with other Wellington councils.

Next Thursday, the Local Government Commission will announce a recommendation and release a draft proposal on the restructure of the councils.

Last year, Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa district councils lodged an application to the commission, to create a unitary authority which would combine all three councils and take on the responsibility of the regional council.

Greater Wellington Regional Council lodged an application to create a "super city" council to replace the region's nine existing councils. There were also 21 alternative applications.

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson said the decision would affect the region's future.

"Whatever it is, our community needs to get on board and understand what the issues are.

"It's extremely important for the Wairarapa region."

She said councils would come straight back from the announcement, to be held at Te Papa, to update their staff before noon, when the proposal would be released publicly.

People will get an opportunity to give feedback on the proposal.

The commission will then make a final proposal.