The mayors of New Plymouth and Hastings are vowing to vigorously oppose any move to release the serial sex offender Stewart Murray Wilson into their communities.
When released from prison on 29 August, Wilson will live under intense supervision in a house still to be set up in the grounds of the Whanganui prison.
Locals have however opposed the decision and the Wanganui District Council has legally challenged the move.
Radio New Zealand understands New Plymouth and Hastings were shortlisted with Whanganui as the most suitable places to send Wilson.
New Plymouth mayor Harry Duynhoven says he believes the residents of his city would respond in the same way as people in Whanganui have; and Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule says Wilson would not be welcome either.
Mr Duynhoven says the New Plymouth prison is earmarked for closure, so there wouldn't have been anywhere to put Wilson anyway.
Both mayors told Morning Report they have not been formally approached about the matter.
