Maori in Wairarapa are backing the region's mayors in their bid to form a stand-alone council and cut ties with Wellington.
Carterton mayor Ron Mark believes a single council in Wairarapa will allow for long-term development that meets the wants and needs of the community.
Mr Mark says local Maori want to retain their tino rangatiratanga, or self-determination.
The chair of Ngati Kahungunu Ki Wairarapa Tamaki Nui A Rua settlement trust says Maori in the region are unanimous in their support for one council.
Ian Perry says tangata whenua should have control over their own interests, which is a tikanga principal they uphold with regard to mana whenua issues.
Mr Perry says it does not make sense for a rural region to be governed by an urban authority.
Public submissions on the reforms close on Friday.
