Little said he wants the Wellington region to decide its own fate, and not leave the plan up to the Government by missing a deadline. A majority of 3016 surveyed Wellington city residents said they want councillors to forge ahead with merger plans. Upper Hutt mayor wants her city to stay out of amalgamationUpper Hutt mayor Peri Zee is sceptical of amalgamation. Climate consultant Matt Raeburn told Wellington city councillors today that merging would help the region address climate change. Resident Ellen Blake said she believes forced amalgamation would jeopardise Wellington city’s special character.