Carterton Mayor Ron Mark says local Maori would benefit from a proposal to form a stand-alone council for the Wairarapa and cut ties with Wellington.
The three Wairarapa mayors have suggested combining the councils to become a single governing authority.
Ngati Kahungunu Ki Wairarapa Tamaki Nui A Rua settlement trust chair Ian Perry said Maori in the region are unanimous in their support for a single council.
Mr Mark agreed, saying the proposal would give iwi in the area a greater say in decisions affecting them.
He said the vast majority of Maori in the area want to retain their tino rangatiratanga, or self- determination.
