Legislation setting up Auckland's new "super city" council was passed by Parliament yesterday.
The Government has said other regions may want to follow suit, but it would be communities rather than it leading the process.
The Auckland Council will represent 1.4 million people, while Wellington has a population of about 450,000 and eight local authorities.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast told The Dominion Post newspaper that change was inevitable but would be done slowly, possibly taking effect at the 2013 local body elections.
"We would rather have the consultation with our community and then take a proposal to the prime minister and say, `This is what our community wants, would you enact legislation and make it happen?"'
Porirua Mayor Jenny Brash agreed greater cooperation was needed regionally but changes other than a merger could achieve that.
Ideas included retaining boundaries but introducing a uniform district plan and combined funding for regional facilities and attractions.
