Councils around the country largely responded with concerns and criticism but they can no longer opt out of the changes.
Wellington Morning host Nick Mills spoke to Wellington Mayor Andy Foster, Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy to get their thoughts on the changes.
While Baker welcomes the change, other mayors in the region were disappointed.
Kāpiti mayor K Gurunathan did not respond to Newstalk ZB's request for an interview.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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