Podcasts about auckland mayor wayne brown

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown defends his annual $235 million operating cost calculation for the City Rail Link as scepticism arises. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "most of when you pay your rates, is paying things off. They're not free. "It's not free to have a road. It's not free to have a train. It's not free to have a bus." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown revealed his plan for a 7.9% rates increase to pay for City Rail Link running costs of an estimated $235 million annually. This is the largest rate rise since Auckland Council was formed in 2010. Questions have begun arising of the legitimacy of Wayne Browns calculation of City Rail Link's projected running costs. Auckland Ratepayers Alliance spokesperson Jordan Williams told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "you're entitled to your own opinion or your political strategy, but you're not entitled to your own facts. And the facts are Auckland Transport have have called this out as being absolute nonsense." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland households face a 7.9% rate rise next year, primarily to fund the operating costs for the $5.5 billion City Rail Link, which is nearly finished. It's a reality, it's going to open for passengers next year – woo! The increase will cover the $235 million annual cost of operating the new underground rail service. It's the largest rates rise since Auckland Council as a super city was formed in 2010. For the average household wondering what on earth to do with all the extra money that comes into their bank accounts, annual rates will climb from $4,023 to $4,341. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's rates announcement came shortly after Christopher Luxon announced at his post-cabinet press conference yesterday afternoon that the Government's going to introduce a rates cap of 2 %to 4% from January 27. The cap will exclude water charges and non-rate revenue such as fees and license fees and things like that. Very good politically. Who doesn't want somebody to say, "Hey, you greedy grasping councils, stop taking our money and delivering nothing in return." But as Wayne Brown pointed out, how would Auckland be able to pay for its city link if it didn't have the facility to raise rates? Wayne Brown told the Herald, putting a cap on rates isn't going to solve anything, it'll just defer it for a couple of years, then ratepayers will be paying even more. He said councils are faced with making decisions that involve significant investment and should not be restricted by governments telling us what we can and cannot do. All very valid, provided of course that councils are sensible husbands of their ratepayers' money. We can all think of absolutely barking mad vanity schemes that have been undertaken with ratepayers' money that incense us and infuriate us. And there's very little we can do. You could always try voting, those 70% of you that don't, but you won't be listening to this radio show probably. And if you've got a council that doesn't really know what it's doing and doesn't know how to keep control of the different departments and can't really manage long-term investment infrastructure and a long-term rates plan, suddenly turning off the money tap is not going to turn them into brilliant budgeters. They're not going to suddenly gain the skills overnight because there's less money to pay with, play with. If you're making dumb decisions now, you're still going to be making them in 2027. Rate capping or rate pegging has been in force in New South Wales and Victoria for several years and is loosely based on the rate of inflation or the consumer price index, which is what we've done. We've looked at Australia and thought we can do this here. In New South Wales and Victoria, the councils can apply for higher caps, but the process is complicated and deeply controversial with their rate payers, not surprisingly. Ratepayers like not having to pay significant rate increases, but the sorts of things they want to see, swimming pools, sports facilities, libraries, lifestyle infrastructure, are getting further and further away from local councils to deliver because they're under the pump financially. They just haven't got the money to do it. If you reduce your rate collection, you won't have as much money to maintain services or implement them. So what do you want as a ratepayer? We were talking about this earlier and, you know, one of our young producers doesn't use his local swimming pool. He said, "Can I opt out of funding that?" And I'm like, "Well, I'm all in. Our family uses the local swimming pool, uses the local library, loves it." We can opt in. Can it be like a car wash, where you get your basic car wash and then you can do the add-ons? Do you want the wax? Sure. Tick. Could they have a bare bones rate structure, or would it be simply too difficult to implement? At least in Auckland you can see what you're paying for, and I assume it's the same if you're in Hamilton or Timaru or New Plymouth. You can actually see the projects. When you're paying rates in places like the Hokianga, we don't get rubbish collection, we don't have water that comes from the sky. We have sewage that is collected on site in septic tanks, don't have lighting, any pest control I'm doing. You don't get a lot for your $3,000. So at least in the cities you can see what you're getting. There'd be some of you paying rates wondering what on earth you're paying them for. I'd be very interested to hear your rate stories. Could you have, would it be too difficult to implement? It probably would, but would you like to see an option? You can have economy, business class, or first class in terms of what you pay for in rates and what services you can access. Does a rates cap appeal to you or can you see it just being a gradual erosion of services and facilities?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new plan to make Auckland safer is being welcomed by the city's main business association. Today Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown unveiled their action plan - including boosting outreach teams to connect rough sleepers with support, and a review of bylaws. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Heather du-Plessis Allan that the plan is broad. She says it picks up things businesses have been crying out for, and while the proof's in the pudding, businesses have got their point across. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly re-elected Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says his second term will be focused on boosting the region's economic growth, making the CBD more inviting, and securing a city deal. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

National is proposing to raise Kiwisaver contributions to a combined 12% by 2032 - bringing it in line with Australia; Newly re-elected Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says his second term will be focused on boosting the region's economic growth, making the CBD more inviting, and securing a city deal; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report; We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown talks with Paul Spain about the future of technology in Auckland and New Zealand. The mayor shares his vision for making Auckland a leading tech hub and how he believes the city can better contribute to New Zealand's economy.From his experience leading business delegations to China and India, to his hands-on approach supporting the Auckland Tech Alliance and pushing for digital innovation within local government, Wayne Brown offers his viewpoints on city-to-city connections, global tech opportunities, and the sometimes-bumpy road of digital transformation and adoption.We explore practical challenges around balancing technological innovation with privacy and inclusivity, discuss Auckland's role in supporting the wider country, and hear why Mayor Wayne Brown believes collaboration, progressive development, and a willingness to take risks are key to unlocking Auckland's and New Zealand's potential on the global tech stage.This episode also touches on Council Digitisation, Rocket Lab, Halter, Bengaluru - India, Guangzhou - China, Sao Paulo - Brazil, Startup Week, Auckland Technology Alliance, Transport, Road Cones and more.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

Peter Dunne was the leader of United Future and is a former MP and Minister who has worked within both National and Labour governments. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, consultant and director of several companies. He is currently the Campaign Director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 1st of November 2025, it's just Tyler today as Matt was elsewhere. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown isn't happy about the cost of the new highway north from Warkworth - he reckons it can be done cheaper. And then the great netball saga - plenty of chat on that. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders have voted against steep rates rises in the local elections. Auckland's Wayne Brown and Christchurch's Phil Mauger have both been re-elected over the weekend, with a commitment to keep rates rises lower. Wellington's Andrew Little and Hamilton's Tim Macindoe have indicated they'll rein in their cities' steep rates rises. In Dunedin - Sophie Barker has won the mayoralty over incumbent Jules Radich. Newstalk ZB's Callum Proctor, Claire Sherwood, Max Towle and Michael Sergel joined Ryan Bridge to recap the results so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 3rd of October 2025, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown replied 'F OFF' to an email campaign directed at him – unbecoming or okay? Then our Afternoons duo turned their attention to First Aid – how would you do when confronted with an emergency situation? Plus they bestowed the honour of the New Zealander Of The Week. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At last, a triumph of common sense over well-meaning legislation designed to protect every life, everywhere, no matter how much the cost. The “every sperm is sacred” approach to lawmaking has been in place for about eight years, where every life matters, no matter the cost to business, to taxpayers, to everybody else. The Government announced yesterday that earthquake strengthening legislation will only capture buildings deemed to pose a genuine risk to human life in medium and high seismic zones. The Building and Construction Minister, Chris Penk, said the current new building standard used by engineers was too broad, too inconsistent, and will be scrapped. The rules were brought in under 2017 changes following the Canterbury earthquakes and the subsequent Royal Commission of Inquiry. Penk said the current system is well-intentioned, but had led to an overwhelming financial burden on building owners. He said the price of strengthening buildings often ran from hundreds of thousands of dollars to well into the millions. He said, as a result, these buildings are often left empty and become derelict, making them even more dangerous to bystanders in an earthquake. Buildings need to be lived in. You have to have people in homes and commercial buildings, otherwise they become derelict very, very quickly. Cities and regions, he says, are losing the businesses, churches, town halls, and classrooms that are essential to their local economies and community spirit. And you'll have seen it everywhere and every town, no matter how big or small. Beautiful buildings that have been left abandoned, for all intents and purposes, because their owners cannot afford to modernise them to the level that has been required under legislation, without any kind of purpose, to what point? It has to be at this level. Why? Because we say so. Is it because it's especially risky? No, these are the rules. So what they've done now is say, okay, well, let's look at where there is danger, and buildings must be fortified there. Where there is a limited risk —you can never rule out risk altogether, otherwise you might as well stop living— the changes don't have to be made to such an extent. Auckland, Northland, and the Chatham Islands will be made exempt from earthquake rules due to low seismic risk. And that makes sense. Auckland is at risk of a volcanic eruption, not earthquakes. That's not the main risk. It's not to say they won't happen – we're not called the Shaky Isles for nothing. But the risk isn't considered as high as that of a volcanic eruption. The response to the overhaul has been positive. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says the news was a huge win for her city. She said the number of earthquake-prone buildings in Wellington will roughly halve, saving building owners a billion dollars. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown also welcomed the changes. He too points out the risk of an earthquake for Auckland and Northland is less than that of a volcanic eruption. He said we can't expect Aucklanders to be lumped with unnecessary costs, especially now. The previous requirements were expensive and unnecessary. He said it's been a very stressful time, and these changes will be a game changer for example, for apartment owners who will now be spared the cost and financial pain of making upgrades that didn't make sense. And I get it. After you've had a tragic loss of life, and a loss of life that could have been prevented had proper building standards been followed, had more been done —it's a crisis in the country— the pain is very, very real. You see the numbers of grieving families in a country as small as ours, you don't want that to happen again. But what we've seen is Governments overreact. We saw that with the health and safety legislation as well after Cave Creek. There is always going to be a certain amount of risk in life, but you can't legislate away all of that risk. There have to be sensible protocols in place, really sensible. Is have to be dotted, Ts crossed. You have to make sure that the job is done properly. But a massive overreaction to a country's heartfelt pain causes more pain in the long term. Where there is risk, try and mitigate it. Where there are buildings that are deemed to be dangerous, retrofit them, fix them, or tear them down. But in areas of the country where there is minimal risk —still risk, nobody's ruling it out— then you don't have to conform to the most strict legislation. If you take all risk out of life, then you're not really living. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a big day at Auckland Council yesterday, and I think a good day. The Policy and Planning Committee met for most of yesterday to thrash out the future of Auckland's housing, debating where and how Auckland is going plan for more homes. The council voted 18-5 to discard PC78 and notify PC120 – which basically means the 3 storey townhouses seen increasingly all over Auckland's suburbs are on the way out, and high-rises and greater intensification around key CRL stations and transport corridors are in. This is, of course, highly contentious – and where you lean in the debate may depend on what neighbourhood you live in. Residents of wealthy inner city suburbs like Mt Eden, Parnell, Herne Bay, and Grey Lynn will likely have reservations about more high-rise apartments in their neighbourhoods – citing a loss of character, loss of light, and an increased demand on infrastructure. The new plan retains 73% of the special character areas established under the 2016 Auckland unitary plan, which isn't bad The new plan is also about allowing the council to down-zone in some areas. The 2023 flooding taught us that it's well past time we stopped further housing development in areas we now know are prone to flooding and coastal erosion. This is a no brainer. It's also cheaper to build where good supporting infrastructure already exists than it is to create new housing areas where infrastructure has to be developed from scratch. In particular, given the cost of the CRL, it makes sense to have as many people living near it and benefiting from it as possible. Or as the mayor said, “There's no point in spending $6 billion on something if there's nobody on the damn thing.” Even though the council meeting voted in favour 18-5, it doesn't mean there wasn't plenty of discussion around the council table. Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson asked for conditions around high towers. She suggested tall apartments need to be set back and have communal areas and facilities. Mayor Wayne Brown supported the amendment, saying there needs to be parking and commercial activity on the lower levels, and this was incorporated into the main motion. Carparking is essential, so it's a sensible idea. Councillor Christine Fletcher didn't have quite the same luck with her amendment, which asked for greater consultation and for the plan change to be publicly notified. At present, public consultation will begin on November 3rd and close on December 19th. It's quick. Fletcher's amendment would have dragged consultation out until the middle of next year. To be honest, yesterday I thought the council would take the safe option and extend consultation, but after much debate about what Minister Chris Bishop would think about all this, the amendment was voted down 15-8. While debate was generally a bit dry, the day did come with some interesting rhetoric. Councillor Maurice Williamson thought both options were unacceptable, saying, "It's a choice between a firing squad and a lethal injection,". Rather surprisingly he voted for the plan – I'm not sure which option he considered this to be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Better, faster, cheaper's the aim of the newly announced refresh to Auckland's transport governance. The government's introducing legislation to strip Auckland Transport of many of its powers - handing responsibility for major roads to Auckland Council, and local roads to community boards. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan the council should be able to make decisions, as going through Auckland Transport is frustrating. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, consultant and director of several companies. He is currently the Campaign Director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. [picture id="4K7TZUT_For_lease_corner_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"] Gareth and Tim discuss the week in politics including how small businesses are faring. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, consultant and director of several companies. He is currently the Campaign Director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. Lianne Dalziel is a life member of the Labour Party and a former MP and Cabinet Minister. She ran as an independent for Christchurch's mayoralty in 2013 and was the city's mayor for three terms. She writes a regular column for Newsroom.co.nz.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

When I first moved to New York, I spent my first year living in a railroad apartment above an Ecuadorian fruit shop on Second Avenue. It was a character-building experience. I went weeks without heating or hot water in winter, and my windows had almost no effect whatsoever in keeping out the ceaseless sound of trucks thundering past my bedroom enroute to restock the city. When I arrived they'd just start construction on the Second Ave subway, a few blocks from my home. The project was hitting a few speedbumps. Bedrock turned out to be deeper than anticipated, a worker nearly died after being stuck in waste-deep slop on site, and what was supposed to be a controlled explosion sent rocks flying all over a busy Manhattan intersection. Curiously, the Second Ave subway route was first proposed in the 1920s, which Wikipedia tells was about the same time that planners first mused over the possibility of the Morningside Deviation, a train tunnel in central Auckland. Stage One of the Second Avenue subway was a 3.2km tunnel. The Central Rail Link is 3.5km. Second Ave ended up costing more than $7 Billion. The Central Rail Link blew out however many times but at last check was $5.5 Billion. The weird thing about a big underground tunnel development is that most of us never fully appreciate the scale of the work. It's obvious I suppose, but even if you live and work in the city, while you get used to a few cones and traffic delays up above the ground, you have no real perspective about the extraordinary activities happening somewhere beneath your feet. Auckland Transport has this week released its updated transit map with the CRL stations. Apparently they've done 1600 test runs so far. They've run trains more than 5000km – Kaitaia to Bluff two-and-a-half times. They've been driving trains at 70kmph directly underneath Auckland's CBD and at no point have I felt so much of a rumble or a shudder. I reckon the vast majority of us up top have been absolutely none-the-wiser. The kid in me who briefly considered becoming an engineer (and even volunteered to spend a school holiday touring the Lyttelton Tunnel) can't help but think that's pretty cool. After riding along on a VIP tour yesterday with all the politicians and movers-and-shakers, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown was in vintage form. How was it? He was asked. “It was a ride in a train.” He said. “We don't want excitement.” Well, maybe not. But guilty as charged. Maybe it's the engineering. Maybe it's the people-watching. Maybe it's the broader sense of momentum and life, but whether it's a tube, an underground, or a subway, I love a bit of subterranean mass-transit. You know you're a nerd when you're less excited about the opening of New Zealand's first IKEA than the transport connection you'll take to get there. After years of construction, the Second Ave subway opened two weeks before I moved back home. One of the last things I did on my last few days in New York was ride a loop. Not because I had somewhere to be but because I wanted to see what all that fuss and money and effort had created, out of sight, underneath my feet. I can't wait to do the same thing here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's one step closer to reaching long-term agreements on the future of some of our fastest-growing areas. It's agreed to negotiate with councils in Auckland, Western Bay of Plenty, and Central Otago, on 10-year deals to boost economic growth, housing and infrastructure. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says "small decisions" should be kept with councils. Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley told Ryan Bridge the agreement could cover everything and anything. She says they've put together a list of priorities for the region, and it will be up to them to negotiate with the government and see where their priorities align. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party. Tim Hurdle was an adviser in previous National governments. He works in strategic communication and advisory, and is currently campaign director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa is a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party. Tim Hurdle was an adviser in previous National governments. He works in strategic communication and advisory, and is currently campaign director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

Auckland's Business Chamber CEO says we have nothing to lose by loosening transit visas for Chinese nationals. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's updated his Auckland Manifesto, laying out a Beehive to-do list. It includes calling for the Government to reconsider loosening transit visas for Chinese Nationals, giving them more freedom for short stays in the country. Simon Bridges told Ryan Bridge it would be an easy sugar hit for the economy. He says he can't think of single reason not to do it, as China's a lot more developed and wealthy than other South-East Asian countries. Bridges is also backing the mayor's renewed call for a tourist bed tax in the city. Browns calling for the Government to reconsider an Auckland tourist bed tax, adding a small levy on short term accommodation. Bridges told Bridge it'll help bring in funding so more major events can come to the city. He says both central and local government are failing Auckland when it comes to major events. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 13th of May 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigns suddenly, Former Cop Lance Burdett shares his thoughts. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown believes Auckland's the ticket to getting our country out of recession, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges shares his thoughts. The Government's announced $100 million of the 2025 budget will go to helping kids with maths over four years, Upper Hutt Principals Association President Robyn Brown tells Ryan Bridge whether or not it will work. Plus, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on hundreds of distressing claims of childcare abuse at one of Australia's biggest childcare companies. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Business Chamber CEO says we have nothing to lose by loosening transit visas for Chinese nationals. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's updated his Auckland Manifesto, laying out a Beehive to-do list. It includes calling for the Government to reconsider loosening transit visas for Chinese Nationals, giving them more freedom for short stays in the country. Simon Bridges told Ryan Bridge it would be an easy sugar hit for the economy. He says he can't think of single reason not to do it, as China's a lot more developed and wealthy than other South-East Asian countries. Bridges is also backing the mayor's renewed call for a tourist bed tax in the city. Browns calling for the Government to reconsider an Auckland tourist bed tax, adding a small levy on short term accommodation. Bridges told Bridge it'll help bring in funding so more major events can come to the city. He says both central and local government are failing Auckland when it comes to major events. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Parking Association believes multiple changes are needed for chasing up unpaid fines. In the three years to the end of 2024, just 68% of almost $29 thousand Auckland Transport fines were paid in part or in full. While AT says it's not a straightforward process, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says he's asked for advice on making them better debt collectors. Association chair Mike Kelly told Mike Hosking the psychology around it is one major issue. He says there are lots of people who get tickets daily for repetitive offences and aren't too bothered, and the tickets end up with the Ministry of Justice. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political commentators, Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle discuss a week of change - a board is returning to Health NZ, the Reserve Bank governor is suddenly gone, as is NZ's High Commissioner to London.Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, consultant and director of several companies. He is currently the Campaign Director for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A planning expert is suggesting Aucklanders look to New York City for the impacts of congestion charges. A report, commissioned by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, has found traffic will cost the city $2.6 billion a year by next year. Auckland University Architecture and Planning Senior Lecturer Timothy Welch says New York and London have effectively implemented congestion charges. He told Mike Hosking revenue in New York City has already increased because of faster buses and more foot traffic. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truck drivers say it will take more than just congestion charges to address Auckland's traffic woes. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is hoping for practical solutions to traffic after a report found congestion will cost the city 2.6 billion dollars a year by next year. The National Road Carriers Association says it supports congestion charges, as long as they're fair. But Chief Executive Justin Tighe-Umbers told Andrew Dickens it still needs a second harbour crossing and fixes to council roads. He says some parts of the motorway also need to be widened. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race for the biggest city's top job is on, with Auckland mayor Wayne Brown, urging voters to back him for a second term. Jessica Hopkins reports.

If you were in a bit of a rush yesterday morning, I dunno - perhaps somehow you were caught out by daylight saving and you scrambling to get to an appointment - and you forgot to put money in the meter before rushing off, you'd have been fined $40. If you did it today, exactly the same offence, you'd be fined $70. Almost double. Parking fines are up for the first time in twenty years and errant parkers will be facing stricter penalties across the board. I don't have an issue with the higher fines. If you don't want to be fined, pay for your parking. It's pretty simple. But despite supporting higher fines, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown isn't happy with the regime. He takes issue with the fact that fines are still set by central Government under the Land Transport Act, rather than local councils. I think he's got a good point. It seems absurd to me that for all the talk about localism, councils are still relying on an edict from Wellington to set their parking fines. If a council can't be relied on to set appropriate parking fines, how on Earth can expect it to manage a balance sheet, consenting or complex infrastructure planning? And Wayne Brown's quite right - there's no reason that fines in congested city centres should be the same as parking fines on the main street of a regional town. Central government says it wants local councils to be focused on the basics. Setting the parking fines within its own jurisdiction qualifies as a basic, for me. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has revealed a proposal to build a second harbour bridge between Pt Chevalier and the North Shore as a cheaper alternative crossing option.  This would involve using the naturally existing lava flow at Meola Reef to support a new bridge across the Waitematā Harbour crossing to Kauri Point on the North Shore.  In response, critics have questioned the investment, whether the proposal would solve issues of traffic congestion, and have raised concerns regarding environmental implications, disrupting suburban areas, and iwi consultation.  Additionally, Auckland Council received criticism earlier this week over information revealed through an Official Information Act request by the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance that Council spent over $250k on repairing four sets of stairs on Milford Beach.  Sofia spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about both of these topics.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown wants the Government to build a bridge over the Waitemata Harbour instead of a tunnel. North Shore Councillor Richard Hills doesn't agree with the plan. He spoke to Ingrid Hipikiss.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman and panellists Zoe George and Martin Cocker discuss Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's latest idea for a second harbour crossing, and Australian plans to put an age limit on social media. Zoe George is a freelance sports journalist and communications advisor Martin Cocker is a former CEO of Netsafe and founder of the Online Safety Exchange. 

On the show today: Today the Police Association reacts to claims I made on the podcast yesterday .. that South Auckland has a massive shortage of cops… 80 cops short - because a huge chunk of them have been moved to Auckland CBDs as part of that marketing exercise. He gets shit done and puts his boot firmly up the arse of those who need it… Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown joins me in his crusade against overzealous traffic management and the cone mania in the city.  A new audiobook platform just launching  in NZ is being run as a social purpose corporation .. so when you buy an audio book you can also select a bricks and mortar bookshop to receive a commission. Nick Johnson, co-founder of Libro.fm, joins us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has announced an extra $570,000 to help fight crime in the CBD. The funding will go towards more CCTV cameras and three pilot safety co-ordination hubs at Queens Wharf, High Street and Day Street. But Heart of the City Chief Executive, Viv Beck, says a police station downtown is still needed. Beck spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace and panellists Zoe George and Mark Knoff-Thomas ask whether our Easter trading laws are out of date. And' Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's call to reform the rules governing who pays rates and how the money is allocated, including returning all GST charged on rates to local authorities.

DescriptionPaul is joined by lawyer and campaigner Max Harris to discuss Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's Long Term Plan proposal, which seeks to entrench his agenda of privatisation, low rates and low spending for years to come.This episode's co-hostsPaul, MaxTimestamps00:41 - The Long Term Plan and battlegrounds05:02 - Auckland Future Fund11:16 - How should we think about public assets?14:40 - Council fiscal responsibility straight-jacket22:10 - The right wing economic playbook and how the left can respond24:20 - Proposed cap on rates revenue29:46 - Consultation process and key players37:12 - Wellington council proposals38:35 - ClosingsIntro/Outro by The Prophet MotiveSupport us here: https://www.patreon.com/1of200

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's bluff has been called - he had no authority to tell Auckland Transport to immediately stop work on projects funded by the soon-to-be scrapped regional fuel tax. Emails provided under the local government Official Information Act show within minutes of the mayor making his formal request public, a councillor questioned if he held such power - the answer was no. It came amidst a tense public exchange between Wayne Brown and Transport Minister Simeon Brown, over funding the city's infrastructure. Amy Williams has the story.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown is demanding aggressive action to fix the supercity's rail system after multiple failures this week. 

Auckland's mayor is warning that cancelling the region's fuel tax will consign major transport projects to the scrap heap. The Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed the government will end the city's 11.5 cents a litre fuel tax on June the 30th. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is keen to progress the implementation of his ten year budget.  The ten year budget will go out for a month of consultation in February.   Brown says central government has crushed local government for too long, and imposed consultation on them when they hardly do it themselves.    He told Mike Hosking that there are also councillors standing in the way of proposals like his port operations lease, despite public support.   Brown says there are councillors who have made a long career of saying no to everything.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not just national government that should concern us. Local government should concern us too. Auckland has spent an inordinate amount of time and money trying to become a world class city. But still, Auckland's problems seem to grow. From a growing debt issue to expanding bureaucracy and rebellious councillors. Who's in charge? Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown opens up on Podcast 220. We reference a new NZ authored book on Climate, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"This equity stuff is bollocks": Thats the verdict of Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown when it comes to introducing congestion charges to the city. The council's meeting tomorrow to discuss whether to bring in so called "time of use charges" for some of Auckland's busiest roads. It would cost drivers between $3.50 to $5 per trip during peak times. Congestion costs the city an estimated $1.3 billion a year. But there is concern the charges will hit the worse-off the hardest. Speaking on Morning Report the mayor's clearly not a fan of taking the idea back to rate payers. Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341141009112

Organisational psychologist John Eatwell says bringing in charging on its own won't be enough to get people out of their cars. This after Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown pushed for a congestion charge to get people off the motorways during morning traffic peak. Auckland council will meet on Thursday to discuss its introduction. Organisational psychologist John Eatwell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland council will meet on Thursday to discuss whether to introduce congestion charges for Auckland's busiest roads. The so-called 'Time of Use Charge' would cost drivers between $3.50 to $5 per trip during peak times. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6340712863112

We're currently a week away from the Aotearoa general election, and the majority of parties still don't actually have a clear arts and culture policy.  It's been a bit of an apathetic mood for arts in politics, with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown threatening to cut back the funding for our local arts centres.  We also saw only one politician show up to the APRA Silver Scrolls on Wednesday Night, and unsurprisingly it was Chlöe Swarbrick.  Thankfully, after we reached out to each major party, Chloe was also the only MP willing to chat to us about their arts and culture policy! We recorded this during Fancy New Band, so sorry about the surfy backing track.

The Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the raw sewage being pumped into the Waitematā Harbour is a result of many years of neglect. It will take an estimated ten days to fix the broken sewer pipe at the bottom of the 13 meter-deep sinkhole in Parnell. Mayor Brown says his city's ageing infrastructure was being exposed. Brown was unavailable to speak to Morning Report. Deputy mayor Desley Simpson spoke to Corin Dann.

It's time to ramp up fines for overstayers in Auckland street parks according to the city's transport agency. Central government sets the fines, but they haven't gone up in close to a quarter of a century. Auckland transport says that means in some cases it's cheaper for a motorist to park up for the whole day and just cop the ticket. Mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6329521471112

It's crunch time for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown as he attempts to get his final budget signed off by city Councillors. The main sticking point is the sale of the Council's $2.2 billion worth of shares in Auckland Airport. The council has a $375m dollar Budget hole and Mayor Brown maintains privatising the airport shares is the only way to keep household rates rises to 6.7 per cent (in line with inflation) and to avoid cuts to social services and the arts. However it's not clear whether he has the numbers to get his budget passed. One of those firmly behind the Mayor is Howick Ward Councillor Maurice Williamson, who joins Kathryn to talk about the process today and Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Angela Dalton who's against the airport share sale.

The government's at-least $1 billion buyout scheme for flood ruined homes has left councils scratching their heads about how much of tab they'll be picking up, and where the cash is coming from. The voluntary buyout scheme was unveiled yesterday. 700 North Island homes have been deemed category three, meaning the sites are two unsafe to rebuild on following the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. 400 of those houses are Auckland; but owners won't find out exactly who is eligible for the buyout until June 12. Furthermore, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has raised the hackles of his councillors again, by forwarding them copies of emails from the public, including one that called them "dip shits". At the end of a contentious week, Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson told Checkpoint that Brown "could potentially at times use better language". She said Brown's behaviour - calling councillors "financially illiterate" and forwarding them copies of insulting emails - has not made the budget process smoother. "It's not made easier," she admitted to Lisa Owen.