Hutt City Council Backs Locally-Led Regional Reform ProposalHutt City Council has voted unanimously to participate in the Head Start process and, by an 11-2 vote endorsed a preferred model of a single unitary council underpinned by strong community councils. The proposal was developed by councils responding to the Government’s voluntary Head Start pathway under its Simplifying Local Government reforms. Lower Hutt Mayor Ken Laban said the vote ensures Lower Hutt can shape what happens next. “People have told us they want local decisions to stay local, strong community representation, and a system that is financially sustainable for the future. It only allows Council to join the initial Head Start proposal.