Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace is critical of a new governance structure proposed for the Wellington region, saying it poses a threat to local democracy.
A council, presided over by a lord mayor, and six area councils have been recommended by an independent panel set up by Wellington Regional Council and Porirua City Council.
The proposed 11 seat council would be responsible for core infrastructure, asset management , setting rates, and budgets, while the local councils would look after community buildings and services.
Mr Wallace says the model takes away key decision making from councils.
The changes would mean 28 fewer councillors and mayors and the 10 chief executives in the region would be reduced to one.
