# Upper Hutt City Council

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Territorial authority of New Zealand

Upper Hutt City Council Te Kaunihera o Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Type Type City council of Upper Hutt Term limits None Leadership Mayor Peri Zee[1] Deputy Mayor Corey White Chief Executive Geoff Swainson[2] Structure Seats 11[a] Political groups Independent (11) Length of term 3 years Elections Voting system FPP Last election 11 October 2025 Next election 2028 Meeting place Upper Hutt Civic Centre, 838–842 Fergusson Drive Website www.upperhutt.govt.nz Footnotes ^ One mayor, 10 councillors

The **Upper Hutt City Council** ([Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language): *Te Kaunihera o Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta*[3]) is the [territorial authority](/source/Territorial_authorities_of_New_Zealand) for the city of [Upper Hutt](/source/Upper_Hutt), [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand).

The council is made up of a [mayor](/source/Mayor_of_Upper_Hutt) elected and 10 councillors elected [at-large](/source/At-large). They are elected using a [first past the post](/source/First_past_the_post) system in [triennial elections](/source/Local_elections_in_New_Zealand), with the most recent election being held in [2025](/source/2025_Upper_Hutt_City_Council_election).

The current mayor is [Peri Zee](/source/Peri_Zee)[4].

## History

Upper Hutt was originally administered by the [Hutt County Council](/source/Hutt_County_Council), which was constituted in 1877. The Upper Hutt Town Board was proclaimed on 24 April 1908, consisting of 7 elected commissioners. In 1926, the town board was replaced by a borough council.[5][6] Angus McCurdy, a former town clerk and town board commissioner, was elected as the first mayor of Upper Hutt Borough Council.[7][6]

Following the Second World War, the population of Upper Hutt underwent a major boom and in late 1965 the [Government Statistician](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand) informed the borough council that they had reached the population prerequisite to gain city status. On 28 May 1966, Upper Hutt was proclaimed to be a city by [Governor-general](/source/Governor-General_of_New_Zealand) [Sir Bernard Fergusson](/source/Bernard_Fergusson%2C_Baron_Ballantrae).[8][9][6]

Later in 1966, the city council applied to the [New Zealand Geographic Board](/source/New_Zealand_Geographic_Board) to change the name of the city to [Trentham](/source/Trentham%2C_New_Zealand), but withdrew their application following an opinion poll indicating that residents were in favour of retaining the name Upper Hutt for the city.[10] A name change had also been considered by the then borough council in 1940 to distinguish itself from [Hutt City Council](/source/Hutt_City_Council),[11] and in the 2000s there was another short-lived campaign to change the city's name to Trentham for the same reason.[12]

On 1 April 1973, the Rimutaka Riding of [Hutt County](/source/Hutt_County) was added to the city.[13] When the Hutt County Council was abolished on 1 November 1988, the city took over administration of the Heretaunga/Pinehaven ward,[14] which was incorporated into the city with the [local government reforms](/source/1989_New_Zealand_local_government_reforms) on 1 November 1989 when the Heretaunga/Pinehaven Community Council was abolished.[15][6]

In November 2023, the council voted by six to five to introduce a [Māori ward](/source/M%C4%81ori_wards_and_constituencies) for the [2025](/source/2025_Upper_Hutt_City_Council_election) and 2028 elections.[16] However, following [a change in legislation regarding Māori wards](/source/Local_Government_(Electoral_Legislation_and_M%C4%81ori_Wards_and_M%C4%81ori_Constituencies)_Amendment_Act_2024), the council voted in August 2024 to rescind this decision. It thus avoided a requirement to hold [a referendum on retaining the ward](/source/2025_New_Zealand_local_referendums_on_M%C4%81ori_wards_and_constituencies) alongside the 2025 election.[17][18][19]

## Composition

The elected mayor and councillors provide governance for the city by setting the strategic direction and making decisions on policies, plans and budgets for the council, representing the city's interests, ensuring accountability and transparency, and employing the Chief Executive.[20]

The Chief Executive is in charge of the providing advice to the council and implementing their decisions, administration of the council and employing all other council staff to achieve its strategic priorities.[20]

### Current councillors

The present council was elected in the [2025 local elections](/source/2025_Upper_Hutt_City_Council_election), in which Peri Zee unseated incumbent mayor of 24 years [Wayne Guppy](/source/Wayne_Guppy), who had been seeking a ninth term in office.[21] Zee is the second female mayor for Upper Hutt, following Doris Nicholson who had been mayor from 1970-1977.[22] Newly elected councillor Gurpreet Dhillon is the first Upper Hutt councillor to be of South Asian and Indian origin.[23]

Upper Hutt City Council, 2025–2028[2][24] Position Name Affiliation Mayor Peri Zee None Deputy mayor Corey White Independent Councillor Angela McLeod None Councillor Bill Hammond Independent Councillor Daniel Welch Backing the Future of Upper Hutt Councillor Dave Wheeler None Councillor Emma Holderness Independent Councillor Gurpreet Dhillon None Councillor Hellen Swales The voice you deserve Councillor Matt Carey Independent Councillor Tracey Ultra Independent

## Civic symbols

### Coat of arms

Upper Hutt City was granted a [coat of arms](/source/Achievement_(heraldry)) by the [Royal College of Arms](/source/College_of_Arms) in 1978.[25]

Coat of arms of Upper Hutt[26] Crest On a wreath of the colours in front of a rock a New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) standing on its nest all proper. Escutcheon Argent a fess wavy azure between in chief two New Zealand pigeons (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) respectant and in base a tōtara tree (Podocarpus totara) couped proper. Motto Nihil altius pulchriusue ("Nothing higher nor more beautiful") Symbolism The wavy blue bar in the centre of the shield ("fess wavy azure") represents the Hutt River. The kārearea and kererū represent early bird life in the Upper Hutt Valley, while the tōtara represents the valley's original vegetation.[25]

### Badge

The College of Arms also granted the council a [badge](/source/Heraldic_badge), consisting of a gold chain encircling a [New Zealand fantail](/source/New_Zealand_fantail), tail erect and expanded, perched on a twig. The council uses the badge in less formal contexts than the coat of arms.[25]

### Flag

Flag of Upper Hutt

With the consent of the [New Zealand Herald Extraordinary](/source/New_Zealand_Herald_Extraordinary), the council adopted a flag in 1982. The flag consists of the shield of the city's coat of arms over a gold cross and a maroon field (the city's colours).[25]

## Notable council members

- [Harry Kent](/source/Harry_Kent_(cyclist)) – Olympic cyclist, elected to council in the 1977 local elections[27] and served for 9 years.[28]

- [Peter McCardle](/source/Peter_McCardle) – Member of Parliament from 1990 to 1999, councillor from 2001 to 2013

- [Gregor W. Yeates](/source/Gregor_W._Yeates) – soil zoologist and ecologist, councillor from 1973 to 1977

## See also

- Territorial authorities bordering Upper Hutt City Council: - [Hutt City Council](/source/Hutt_City_Council) - [Porirua City Council](/source/Porirua_City_Council) - [Kāpiti Coast District Council](/source/K%C4%81piti_Coast_District_Council) - [South Wairarapa District Council](/source/South_Wairarapa_District_Council)

- [Greater Wellington Regional Council](/source/Greater_Wellington_Regional_Council) – the regional council covering Upper Hutt

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result"](https://www.electionz.com/LGE2025Results/ELT45UH25_Result.pdf) (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 21 October 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-council_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-council_2-1) ["Our Elected Members and Executive Leadership Team"](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/About-Your-Council/Elected-members-ELT). *www.upperhutt.govt.nz*. Upper Hutt City Council. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Our logo and bilingual branding"](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Welcome/brand-story#section-2). *www.upperhutt.govt.nz*. Upper Hutt City Council. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result"](https://www.electionz.com/LGE2025Results/ELT45UH25_Result.pdf) (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 21 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Maclean, Chris (1 August 2015). ["Wellington region – Government"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-region/page-13). *teara.govt.nz*. [Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand](/source/Te_Ara_%E2%80%93_the_Encyclopedia_of_New_Zealand). Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-natlib_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-natlib_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-natlib_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-natlib_7-3) ["Upper Hutt (N.Z.). City Council"](https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22489201). *natlib.govt.nz*. [National Library of New Zealand](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand). Retrieved 10 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["The Making of a Modern Town: 1900-1945"](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Welcome/Our-History/1900-to-1945). *www.upperhutt.govt.nz*. Upper Hutt City Council. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Becoming a city: 1945-2000"](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Welcome/Our-History/1945-to-2000). *www.upperhutt.govt.nz*. Upper Hutt City Council. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Maclean, Chris (1 March 2016). ["Wellington places – Upper Hutt"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-places/page-10). *teara.govt.nz*. [Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand](/source/Te_Ara_%E2%80%93_the_Encyclopedia_of_New_Zealand). Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Upper Hutt To Retain Name"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19660826.2.81.3). *Press*. Vol. CVI, no. 31148. 26 August 1966. p. 6. Retrieved 11 March 2026 – via [Papers Past](/source/Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["CHANGE OPPOSED"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19401219.2.14?). *Evening Post*. Vol. CXXX, no. 148. 19 December 1940. p. 6. Retrieved 11 March 2026 – via [Papers Past](/source/Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Tso, Matthew (4 May 2018). ["Charity work for horses involved in Upper Hutt renaming plot"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/103555037/charity-work-for-horses-involved-in-upper-hutt-renaming-plot). *[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))*. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Maclean, Chris (1 August 2015). ["The break-up of Hutt County"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/interactive/13369/the-break-up-of-hutt-county). *teara.govt.nz*. [Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand](/source/Te_Ara_%E2%80%93_the_Encyclopedia_of_New_Zealand). Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Hutt County Abolition Order 1988 - Part II Hutt County and Upper Hutt City"](https://www.nzlii.org/nz/other/nz_gazette/1988/190.pdf) (PDF). *[New Zealand Gazette](/source/New_Zealand_Gazette)*. No. 190. 10 November 1988. pp. 4520–4521. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["History of our city: Local Government in Upper Hutt"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120309164155/http://www.upperhuttcity.com/page/306/LocalgovernmentinUpperHutt.boss). Upper Hutt City Council. Archived from [the original](http://www.upperhuttcity.com/page/306/LocalgovernmentinUpperHutt.boss) on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Boyack, Nicholas (7 November 2023). ["Upper Hutt councillors narrowly supported Māori ward"](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350105077/upper-hutt-councillors-narrowly-supported-maori-ward). *The Post*. Retrieved 3 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Ellis, Moana (30 August 2024). ["Controversial law spurs wave of support for Māori seats, triggers mass polls"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/526651/controversial-law-spurs-wave-of-support-for-maori-seats-triggers-mass-polls). *[RNZ](/source/RNZ)*. Retrieved 3 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Maxwell, Joel (13 March 2025). ["'Most will be disestablished': Pera Paniora on Māori wards and brutal referendum truth"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360610216/most-will-be-disestablished-pera-paniora-maori-wards-and-brutal-referendum-truth). *www.stuff.co.nz*. Retrieved 3 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Perese, Daniel; Manza, Anastasia (30 October 2025). ["The Māori ward that never was: Upper Hutt's lost chance in the local elections"](https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/10/30/the-maori-ward-that-never-was-upper-hutts-lost-chance-in-the-local-elections/). *[Te Ao Māori News](/source/Te_Ao_M%C4%81ori_News)*. Retrieved 14 March 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-governance_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-governance_21-1) ["Governance and representation"](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Council/About-Your-Council/Governance-representation). *www.upperhutt.govt.nz*. Upper Hutt City Council. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Crimp, Lauren (13 October 2025). ["'Democracy has spoken': Wayne Guppy on the almost-certain end to his 24-year mayoralty"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/575721/democracy-has-spoken-wayne-guppy-on-the-almost-certain-end-to-his-24-year-mayoralty). *[RNZ](/source/RNZ)*. Retrieved 14 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Wong, Justin (16 October 2025). ["The long game to unseat a 24-year incumbent"](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360852404/long-game-unseat-24-year-incumbent). *The Post*. Retrieved 14 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Meet the Asian councillors 'honoured' to have secured a seat at the table"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/576444/meet-the-asian-councillors-honoured-to-have-secured-a-seat-at-the-table). *[RNZ](/source/RNZ)*. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["2025 Triennial Elections DECLARATION OF RESULT"](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/elections/vote-2025/upper-hutt-city-council-2025-triennial-elections-declaration-of-result.pdf) (PDF). *www.upperhutt.govt.nz*. Upper Hutt City Council. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-arms_and_flag_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-arms_and_flag_26-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-arms_and_flag_26-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-arms_and_flag_26-3) ["The story behind us"](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/Welcome/brand-story#section-1). *www.upperhutt.govt.nz*. Upper Hutt City Council. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** [College of Arms](/source/College_of_Arms) (1978). ["Grant of arms to the City of Upper Hutt letters patent"](https://archive.org/details/UH_blazon). *[Internet Archive](/source/Internet_Archive)*. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Many women successful in council elections"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19771010.2.9). *Press*. 10 October 1977. p. 1. Retrieved 11 March 2026 – via [Papers Past](/source/Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["HARRY KENT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170921000247/https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/upper-hutt-leader/20160921/281560880265133). *Upper Hutt Leader*. PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions. 21 September 2016. Archived from [the original](https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/upper-hutt-leader/20160921/281560880265133) on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2026.

## External links

- [Official website](https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/)

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v t e Upper Hutt, New Zealand Seat: Upper Hutt Central Populated places Suburbs Birchville Brown Owl Clouston Park Ebdentown Elderslea Emerald Hill Heretaunga Kingsley Heights Maoribank Parkdale Pinehaven Riverstone Terraces Silverstream Te Mārua Timberlea Tōtara Park Trentham Upper Hutt Central Wallaceville Rural Cloustonville Kaitoke Mangaroa Maymorn Moonshine Whitemans Valley Geographic features Akatarawa Barton's Bush Hull's Creek Hutt Valley Mawaihakona Stream Moonshine Valley Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River Facilities and attractions Akatarawa Forest Birchville Dam Golder Cottage Hutt Valley Line Kaitoke Regional Park Maidstone Park May Morn Estates Tramway Pākuratahi Forest Royal Wellington Golf Club Silver Stream Railway St John's Anglican Church Trentham Memorial Park Trentham Military Camp Trentham Racecourse Upper Hutt Blockhouse Railway stations Heretaunga Kaitoke Mangaroa Maymorn Silverstream Bridge Silverstream Trentham Upper Hutt Wallaceville Government City Council Mayor Regional Council Organisations Association of Radio Transmitters Wellington Naturist Club Schools Heretaunga College Hutt International Boys' School St Patrick's College, Silverstream Upper Hutt College

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Upper Hutt City Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Hutt_City_Council) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Hutt_City_Council?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.