Wellington Regional Council, branded as Greater Wellington Regional Council, is the regional council overseeing the Wellington Region of New Zealand's lower North Island. It is responsible for public transport under the brand Metlink, environmental and flood protection, and the region's water supply. As of 2023, it is the majority owner of CentrePort Wellington with a 77% shareholding.
The Wellington Regional Council was first formed in 1980 from the amalgamation of the functions of the Wellington Regional Planning Authority with those of the Wellington Regional Water Board, before taking its current form with the local government reforms of 1989.
A proposal made in 2013 that nine territorial authorities amalgamate to form a single supercity met substantial local opposition and was abandoned in June 2015.
Council members
The governing body of the regional council is made up of 13 councillors, representing six constituencies: Pōneke/Wellington – 5 councillors Kāpiti Coast – 1 Porirua-Tawa – 2 Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai/Lower Hutt – 3 Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta/Upper Hutt – 1 Wairarapa – 1
In October 2023, the council voted to also establish a Māori constituency for the 2025 local elections.
As of the 2022 local elections the regional councillors are:
Key
Chairs
Regional parks
The council administers several regional parks.
Akatarawa Forest
Baring Head/Orua-pouanui
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Belmont Regional Park
East Harbour Regional Park
Hutt River Trail
Hutt Water Collection Area
Kaitoke Regional Park
Pakuratahi Forest
Queen Elizabeth Park
Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour
Wainuiomata Recreation Area
Wainuiomata Water Collection Area
Wairarapa Moana Wetlands
Wellington Harbour
Whitireia Park
See also
Manawatū-Whanganui Regional council - neighbouring regional council
Territorial authorities within the Greater Wellington region: Wellington City Council Porirua City Council Hutt City Council Upper Hutt City Council Kāpiti Coast District Council South Wairarapa District Council Carterton District Council Masterton District Council