Central New Zealand local authorities have agreed to create an alliance they say will be similar to Auckland's super city.
Mayors and chairpeople of local bodies from the top of the South Island to the central North Island decided on the move at a summit in Wellington on Wednesday.
The summit's initiator, Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown, says the districts and cities share opportunities and formidable challenges.
She says issues including the economy, transport and tourism need to be addressed collectively.
Ms Wade-Brown says the Central New Zealand Alliance will engage with central government to get what the region needs to create economic growth, jobs and prosperity.
She says the area has a population of 1.1 million people and contributes 30% of New Zealand's gross domestic product.
