Podcasts about mayor wayne brown

Auckland's 21 local boards united in a letter to Mayor Wayne Brown last week, rejecting that they must absorb a $17.6 million budget shortfall tied to the Fairer Funding Initiative.  The letter, dated March 10, highlights the significant pressures imposed on local board activities due to the cost-cutting measures, asserting that local boards had “no control over the budget” and "all decisions were made without any reference to any Local Board”. While Wayne Brown responded earlier this week, ensuring that local boards would not need to seek extra funding to cover the budget shortfall this year, these discussions will become relevant again for next year's budget.  Group chief financial officer for Auckland Council, Ross Tucker, says the council "is embarking on a challenging transition to an equity-based funding model that will see local boards being empowered with more budget autonomy as well as greater budget responsibility". Also, as the need increases to address the number of roaming dogs on the street, as well as the number of dog attacks, Auckland Council has opened a council-operated dog adoption centre. Last year, less than half of roaming dogs were claimed by their owners, the lowest amount in a decade. The adoption centre which opened on the weekend will house over forty dogs in an effort to relieve the strain on animal shelters around Auckland. Producer Sara spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about both of these issues this morning. To start off, she asked him to explain the purpose of Auckland Council's Fairer Funding Initiative.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about a potential trade deal with India spearheaded by the Prime Minister, the liquidation of school lunch provider Libelle, and the Labour-led Wage Theft Bill passing its third reading in Parliament. For International Desk, they speak to Tania Sawicki Mead, Director of Communications at UNICEF Aotearoa, about the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire. And they speak to Lisa Asher from the University of Sydney about the best ways to disrupt the supermarket duopoly in Aotearoa. For City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about a letter from Aucklands local boards to Mayor Wayne Brown concerning the seventeen point six million dollar budget shortfall, as well as Auckland Council's new dog shelter in response to an increase in roaming dogs She also spoke with World Vision's Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, about their latest annual Price Shocks Report, and what the New Zealand government should be doing to address global food insecurity.

Competition for the top job in our biggest cities is heating up ahead of this year’s local body elections, with some potential candidates already causing a stir. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has confirmed she wants a second term although many people in the capital are wondering why, given her tumultuous entry to the world of local government. In Auckland, Mayor Wayne Brown has said he is not done with fixing the city and also wants a second term. And in Christchurch, Mayor Phil Mauger also wants another term in the city’s top job. On this episode of On the Tiles - Local Edition, Georgina Campbell chats what is happening in the mayoral races.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Destiny Church's actions have been labelled as "thuggery" by Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown and going "too far" according to Prime Minister Chris Luxon. NZ icon Dame Jools Topp joins us to talk about the weekend's events,=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Destiny Church's actions have been labelled as "thuggery" by Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown and going "too far" according to Prime Minister Chris Luxon. Police are investigation is assault charges should be laid and joining us tonight to talk about the weekends events are national icon Jools Topp after the Topp Twins made a public statement in the weekend about the happenings, and drag queen Sunita Torrence, aka Coco FlaskErica Stanford was on Q&A in the weekend suggesting that, for the right amount of capital, NZ could be a permanent location or retirement spot for wealthy international investors. The conversational also covered off teachers professional development and school lunchesComedian Bill Burr launched a blistering attack on the ultra-wealthy, declaring that billionaires should be 'put down like fucking rabid dogs' for their role in perpetuating economic inequality.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

The Prime Minister's open to corporate tax cuts in this year's budget. Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB last night that our corporate tax system isn't competitive enough with other countries. She confirmed the corporate tax rate, currently sitting at 28 percent, is being looked at as part of the whole business tax system. Christopher Luxon confirmed with Mike Hosking they're willing to make changes, and there's a lot of possible options. He says any announcement would be part of the May budget. Luxon says lower tax rates are one way to encourage growth, as well as incentivising investment in things like technology. Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown is urging the Government to ease the visa restrictions for Chinese tourists. China has a policy that allows New Zealanders visa-free access if they're visiting for less than 30 days – a policy Brown says we should be reciprocating. Luxon says there are some challenges involved in powering up the number of Chinese tourists coming into the country. He told Hosking that there are genuine immigration concerns to consider, and they need to ensure there's a good policy in place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show... Dave Letele responds to a message from within Auckland Council labeling him as “radioactive” and “too risky” to support. The message, reportedly from a senior staffer linked to Mayor Wayne Brown’s office, suggests that multiple agencies, including National MPs and MSD, view Letele as unpredictable due to his character and political associations. And a Slam Dunc on New Zealand’s new climate targets under the Paris Agreement - this could cripple the country! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast

Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown joins Kathryn Ryan to talk about taking back control of transport policy and planning, his plans for Auckland's development agency Eke Panuku and its events agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited.

A huge political victory for Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. Having campaigned on taking greater control over Auckland's CCO's (Council Controlled Organisations), the mayor is set to get his wish when it comes to Auckland Transport. Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed that Auckland's transport policy and planning will shift from AT back over to Auckland Council. Remember, under the current model - Auckland Council has had two elected councillors on the board of AT. But Wayne Brown argued this assigned too much of the major decision making to unelected officials. He was always lamenting that people came up to him in the street and moaned to him about problems that were AT's responsibility, not realising that actually the council had limited control. Like all power, of course, you have to be careful what you wish for. If Auckland Council and the local boards are to have more authority over transport planning in our biggest city, they'll also have the blame if residents don't feel they're making the right calls. Under the changes, Auckland Council will retain a transport CCO. But - his opponents have to accept that Wayne Brown has surprised a lot of people as mayor. He has built relationships on both sides of the political spectrum and advocated effectively for Auckland's ratepayers. He promised to get greater control over the Council Controlled Organisations - and Auckland Transport was top of the list. And whether you like the council's subsequent transport policies or not - on that promise, he has delivered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has launched a bid to establish a direct flight from Auckland Airport to Brazil's Sao Paulo. He believes this could boost trade between New Zealand and Brazil by up to $1.5 billion a year. NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon says this is a good idea - and could open up new opportunities for New Zealand. "Given the mayhem which is happening in the United States at the moment and their incoherent economic policies - we've got to be innovative." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has launched a bid to establish a direct flight from Auckland Airport to Brazil's Sao Paulo. He believes this could boost trade between New Zealand and Brazil by up to $1.5 billion a year. NZIER Principal Economist Chris Nixon says this is a good idea - and could open up new opportunities for New Zealand. "Given the mayhem which is happening in the United States at the moment and their incoherent economic policies - we've got to be innovative." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown has never shied away from telling us exactly what he thinks. He's waged war on council-controlled organisations, like EkePanuku and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, with proposals to abolish them altogether and bring their activities in-house. He's never thought twice in criticising who he calls the “weasels in Wellington” (or, central Government), and he's also never shied away from voicing his concerns around Auckland Transport, which is currently dealing with a wave of violent attacks on drivers, and passengers. Today on The Front Page, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown joins us to discuss these issues – ahead of his trip to China, where he hopes to put the City of Sails on the to-do list for investors. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The voice of the America's Cup says returning the event to New Zealand shores will deliver more than just sailing. Previous editions have all been held in Auckland, but Mayor Wayne Brown says the hosting decision is in the hands of Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton. Brown says he'd welcome it back, but has concerns over its cost. Sailing commentator Peter Montgomery told Ryan Bridge people aren't aware of its positive flow-on effects, like creating jobs and incomes. “More than the whole industry, more than just the tourism industry and fans coming to fill hotels rooms or whatever. There's been a byproduct that's come out of it that no other sport brings.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown aims to disestablish the city's tourism and economic development agency. The mayor is progressing plans to fold Tātaki Auckland Unlimited back into council control and reduce its functions. He says the agency spent more than $700,000 on a campaign promoting Auckland to Aucklanders. He says these things need to stop happening with ratepayer money. Hospitality New Zealand CEO Steve Armitage Tātaki says is essential - and plays a pivotal role for the city's tourism. "There are a lot of ancillary benefits, there are jobs created - particularly off the strength of Auckland's visitor economy in recent years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown aims to disestablish the city's tourism and economic development agency. The mayor is progressing plans to fold Tātaki Auckland Unlimited back into council control and reduce its functions. He says the agency spent more than $700,000 on a campaign promoting Auckland to Aucklanders. He says these things need to stop happening with ratepayer money. Hospitality New Zealand CEO Steve Armitage Tātaki says is essential - and plays a pivotal role for the city's tourism. "There are a lot of ancillary benefits, there are jobs created - particularly off the strength of Auckland's visitor economy in recent years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadline is looming for Auckland Council's buyout of properties damaged in the 2023 Anniversary weekend floods, but so far only half of those affected have signed up. Amy has been talking to a Kainga Ora tenant furious that she was not told her house was on a flood plain, and then she was moved to a house where there'd been a shooting, that she was not told about. Also Amy looks at Mayor Wayne Brown's proposed second harbour crossing, and talks to Kathryn about a globally recognised rock attraction at Muriwai.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Labour's Ginny Anderson about retail crime in the CBD, banning gang patches, and the Minister for Firearms not ruling out bringing back high-powered semi-automatic firearms.  For States of the States this week they speak to Yale Daily News' Andre Fa'aoso about the situation in Springfield, Ohio after several weeks of Republican-led anti-immigrant rhetoric and the second assassination attempt against former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump. And they speak to University of Otago Senior Lecturer Leon Goldsmith about the device explosions in Lebanon that have killed at least twenty-six people and injured thousands more.  For City Counselling this week, Sofia speaks to Councillor Shane Henderson about Mayor Wayne Brown's proposal for a second harbour bridge from Point Chevalier to the North Shore as well as Council spending over 250K on beach stairs on Milford Beach. She also speaks to Professor of Law at the University of Waikato, Leilani Tuala-Warren, about a recent proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to recognise ecocide as a crime against humanity and whether Aotearoa should support the proposal.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Labour's Ginny Anderson about retail crime in the CBD, banning gang patches, and the Minister for Firearms not ruling out bringing back high-powered semi-automatic firearms.  For States of the States this week they speak to Yale Daily News' Andre Fa'aoso about the situation in Springfield, Ohio after several weeks of Republican-led anti-immigrant rhetoric and the second assassination attempt against former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump. And they speak to University of Otago Senior Lecturer Leon Goldsmith about the device explosions in Lebanon that have killed at least twenty-six people and injured thousands more.  For City Counselling this week, Sofia speaks to Councillor Shane Henderson about Mayor Wayne Brown's proposal for a second harbour bridge from Point Chevalier to the North Shore as well as Council spending over 250K on beach stairs on Milford Beach. She also speaks to Professor of Law at the University of Waikato, Leilani Tuala-Warren, about a recent proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to recognise ecocide as a crime against humanity and whether Aotearoa should support the proposal.

Earlier this week, in response to councillor feedback, Mayor Wayne Brown announced a new committee structure for Auckland Council and made changes to the Auckland Transport Board. This restructuring intends to streamline decision-making and put Council's focus on delivering the new Long-term Plan.  Additionally, the decision on a proposal to move rubbish bin collection to a fortnightly service could be decided next month.  The proposal is part of Council's Waste Management and Minimisation Plan to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Producer Sofia asked Councillor Shane Henderson about both of these topics as well as what the newly announced National Land Transport Programme means for Auckland.

Winston Peters has found a strong ally in his bid to disestablish Auckland Transport.   The New Zealand First leader's proposed a bill to give the city's Council full control of the agency.  AT currently operates somewhat independency.   It already has the backing of Mayor Wayne Brown, who says anything putting control of Auckland's transport back in Aucklanders' hands is a good thing.  Peters told Mike Hosking that if common sense prevails, it will go hosing through Parliament.  He said that AT was set up in 2009 and has been a serious failure, with massive complains continuing year after year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's roading contractors aren't given incentives to work cheaper or faster, and most of them take the path of least resistence. That's according to a new report on the city's temporary traffic management practices, commissioned by Mayor Wayne Brown as part of his war against road cones, Maia Ingoe reports.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday July 5 2024, we get the latest from the UK as the Labour Party sweeps to power in the general election.  Heather speaks to both Auckland councillor Richard Hills and Mayor Wayne Brown after the council voted against the government's proposed speed limit changes.  Kelly Martin from South Pacific Pictures speaks about Shortland Street being cut to three nights a week.  And the Sports Huddle previews the All Blacks first test of the year against England in Dunedin.  Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Wayne Brown says Auckland will have the lowest rates increase this year of any metropolitan council in the country. Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

From July 1, Auckland CBD residents and visitors will be stung with new 24-hour parking charges covering overnight, weekends and public holidays.   Mayor Wayne Brown has expressed dissatisfaction about the change, and CBD workers are residents say they were blindsided.  Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage tells Mike Hosking this is not a helpful time for Auckland Transport to find revenue streams, as a huge amount of effort is being put into city centre recovery.  Having the ability to get to and from the city in a private car is also important for many workers, operating outside of standard public transport hours.  The overnight parking charges are ironic as Hospitality NZ has been actively working with other council agencies on a night-time economy strategy to boost the appeal of the city.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For City Counselling this week Caeden speaks to Lotu Fuli about yesterday's Auckland port announcement. Under a new plan, the port would stay under Council control despite Mayor Wayne Brown previously investigating a 35-year lease for the port.  The plan also includes returning Captain Cook Wharf and Marsden Wharf to Auckland Council, as well as increasing public access to Bledisloe Wharf. Caeden also asked about Whanganui Council passing a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.  They started by asking her to explain yesterday's Port of Auckland announcement.

The Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown has injected $570,000 into improving safety in the city.  The money will go towards additional CCTV operators, a safety coordinator for the CBD and investment in outreach to help people secure housing.   Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Mike Hosking the boost will complement strong local efforts across a number of initiatives.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Wayne Brown reckons his idea for a tax-back for Auckland is superior to the government's plan for tax cuts. The government's exempt from paying rates on its own buildings in Auckland; that includes hospitals and schools. Wayne Brown wants it to pay-up the estimated 40 million dollars the city loses out on each year. On top of that the government claims GST on rates; that adds up to another four hundred and fifteen million dollars a year . Auckland mayor Wayne Brown speaks to Lisa Owen

Top stories for [Day Date Month Year] Top stories this morning... The Government has ordered a crackdown on unruly Kainga Ora tenants - but a victim doubts it will work It turns out Mayor Wayne Brown had no authority to tell Auckland Transport to stop work on regional fuel tax funded projects. The two New Zealanders charged with attacking a police officer in Phuket are likely to be in a Thai jail for some time. A celebration has been held in Red Square to mark Vladimir Putin's election night win.

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.

The legacy of Fa'anana Efeso Collins and what his passing and mourning reveal about what Auckland and the political arena has lost. Public submissions have just opened on the Auckland Council's Long Term Plan, which Simon says is based on Mayor Wayne Brown's big new dream: to sell the remaining shares in the airport, and a 35-year operating lease for the port, and use the proceeds to establish a Future Fund, which would operate like a mini-NZ Superannuation Fund. Simon Wilson is a Senior Writer NZ Herald

The Mayor of Auckland has called for a stop to all transport projects funded by the soon-to-be-scrapped Regional Fuel Tax. The government has announced the tax will end by the end of June, prompting questions from the mayor and transport advocates on how the city will fund future projects. Mr Brown says the funding can't be replaced by higher council rates or debt and the end of the tax creates significant uncertainty for Auckland's transport programme. Mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland's being described as a bit of a shambles after transport issues this week.   Auckland Transport says up to one-in-three train services will be cancelled every day, and some days will be worse than others.   KiwiRail says it's because of heat that causes the steel in rail lines to move if the trains pass over them too quickly.  Mayor Wayne Brown told Mike Hosking that KiwiRail, AT, and Auckland One Rail blame each other for issues.   He says heads of the three agencies are meeting with him tomorrow and they'll get a good bollocking.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the government announced the end date of axing Auckland's regional fuel tax, June 30.  Mayor Wayne Brown has said the funding loss means he'll probably have to cancel a bunch of projects including; improvements to Lake Road on Auckland's Northshore, the final stage of the Eastern Busway and work on an Airport Botany busway.  People filling up in the city have been paying an extra eleven and half cents a litre on fuel, over and above what other motorists around the country pay, since mid 2018.  Without it, the Mayor estimates a transport funding shortfall of one -point-two-billion dollars for the city over the next four years. Minister for Transport and Auckland Simeon Brown speaks to Lisa Owen.  [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346461450112

A bunch of Auckland infrastructure projects will be canned unless the government kicks in some money to replace, funding from the soon to be axed regional fuel tax according to the Mayor Wayne Brown. Following through on an election commitment, the government's anounced the Auckland regional fuel tax will end on June 30th. People filling up in the city have been paying an extra eleven and half cents a litre on fuel, over and above what other motorists around the country pay; with the money going to roading related projects. The Transport Minister said the tax that's been in place since 2018 is regressive , hurts lower income families and only about half the money collected has actually been spent. However, Wayne Brown says the move is going to leave a massive budget hole and that has consequences [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6346457895112

The Auckland Regional Fuel Tax will end on June 30, as part of the Government's 100-day action plan. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says Aucklanders have been paying an extra $11.5 cents per litre since mid-2018- and this will save drivers money. Mayor Wayne Brown has criticised this decision, saying this will leave a billion-dollar funding hole for transport projects over the next four years. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government will either have to contribute more to Auckland- or ratepayers will have to cover the difference. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is reassuring Auckland motorists they will soon reap the benefits without a regional fuel tax. Mayor Wayne Brown says the end of the fuel tax on June 30th will leave a shortfall in transport funding of $1.2 billion over the next four years. But Transport Minister Simeon Brown is intent on making that back through other projects they've agreed to help fund like congestion charging. He says it's about ensuring a benefit from what they're paying for. "There's a lot of other things there, which I think are of low priority to me and the mayor- such as speed bumps, reducing speed limits, cycleways, more bus lanes. Those are what he has been against, what I have been campaigning against, they won't receive funding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's official, the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax is gone-burger from 1 July. Aucklanders will not have to pay $11.5 cents a litre more everyone else in the country every time they fill up their cars. Toyota Hilux drivers will save $9.20 a fill and Toyota Corolla drivers will save $5.75 a fill. Good riddance to bad rubbish. That was a rort, wasn't it? Remember what Auckland was supposed to get for that? We were supposed to get upgrades to Mill Road, the road I'm obsessed with because of how desperately the city needs it- running from Manukau down to Drury as an alternative to the jam-packed Southern Motorway. Did we get it? We paid for it for six years. Did we get it? No, of course we didn't. Did we get the Lake Road upgrade we've been talking about since at least 2017? No, we didn't get that. Did we get the Glenvar Road upgrade we've been talking about since at 2016? No, we didn't get that. And the list goes on. Instead, the money got used for cycle lanes and speed humps. And do I need to remind you about those speed humps? How about the one got laid in Three Kings, then got ripped up two years later and laid again because AT stuffed up- and it cost us $600k? How about that one? Mayor Wayne Brown is not happy about the loss of funding. He's released a list of projects at the end of a press release, with no explanation for the list. The inference, I'm thinking, is that these are the projects that are going to get cut, because they haven't got the funding. Let me list some: Mangere West cycleway. Road safety programme, including high-risk intersections. The safe speeds programme, aimed at reducing vehicle speeds near schools. Small scale projects to improve local cycling connections. New low cost cycle ways to improve safety and travel options. Upgrades to multi-modes roads, paths, and intersections to support Kainga Ora. I doubt very much that many Aucklanders are going to cry tears over this because of one reason. We have paid this under the mistaken belief that we were paying for better roads. What we got instead was AT squandering money on their own inability to just construct a basic pedestrian crossing. But more importantly, what we got was a city that is now more congested and harder to drive around. So as far as I can see, very little has improved for what we've paid, and much of what we're seeing is worse. I'm happy to defund Auckland Transport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport's roll out of raised pedestrian crossings may have hit a speed bump. One in the central city suburb of Grey Lynn has cost close to half a million dollars. And a dozen so called signalised crossings has cost the agency six million. Mayor Wayne Brown has reportedly accused A-T of losing the plot.. with accusation's the capital is doing the same work for way less. Joining us now is Auckland Transport CEO Dean Kimpton. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6345524069112

Auckland council is meeting on Wednesday to go over the first proposal for it's ten-year-budget - which sets its political direction under Mayor Wayne Brown. The council's Budget Committee will discuss the Mayoral Proposal for the Long Term Plan, which features a slew of rates rises and some controversial changes for the city. Returning some of the land around the Port of Auckland, creating congestion charges, and putting rates up 19 percent over the next three years are just a few of the ideas put forward. Reporter Finn Blackwell has the story.

For this week's City Counselling, Beth caught up with Counsellor for Waitakere Shane Henderson. They spoke about proposed congestion charges, which could come into effect as soon as 2025. Mayor Wayne Brown has previously proposed charges of $3.50 and $5 during peak hours for car-users on State Highway One, between Penrose and Greenlane, and State Highway 16, between Lincoln Road and Te Atatū Road.

Todd looks at the biggest issues facing our biggest city - including Auckland Council selling the Downtown carpark to Precinct Properties, despite a last-minute flurry of opposition and threat to sue. So what's planned for the site? Mayor Wayne Brown has taken a trip to India, against official advice, and one to Melbourne that his own councillors didn't know about. And how much of a blow to the city is the loss of the Sail GP series? Todd Niall is Stuff's Senior Auckland Affairs Journalist

Auckland city council is a step closer to hitting peak hour commuters in the wallet - in a bid to coax some of them off the city's congested motorways. Council's Transport and Infrastructure Committee voted 18 to 2 to set up a team to oversee the implementation of the 'time of use' charges. Mayor Wayne Brown had earlier proposed charges between $3.50 and $5 a trip for travel during peak times on State Highway One between Penrose and Greenlane, and State Highway 16 between Lincoln Road and Te Atatu Road. And those charges could come into effect as soon as 2025.

Auckland councillors are meeting shortly for a discussion about proposed congestion charges.  Mayor Wayne Brown wants to have the charges in place as soon as possible, potentially with discounts for Gold Card holders and people on low incomes.  Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Angela Dalton told Mike Hosking that she believes the idea has sufficient enough support around the council table to proceed.  Waitakere Councillor Shane Henderson says he's open to the idea as long as it's designed right.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland council will meet on Thursday to discuss the introduction of congestion charges for some of Auckland's busiest roads. The so-called 'Time of Use Charge' would charge people using specific roads during peak-time travel. Mayor Wayne Brown has told media that it would cost about the same as a cup of coffee - around $5. He says it will take another two to three years for the charge to be introduced. Tracey Berkahn is council's group manager of Services and Performance. Berkahn spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland councillor Kerrin Leoni says it's been a blow for the city for her colleagues to have voted down the proposal for Māori seats. The Whau ward councillor was one of the nine in favour of the proposal, which would have guaranteed a place for Māori at the governing table.  But eleven councillors voted against it, and Mayor Wayne Brown abstained. Leoni spoke to Corin Dann.

The boss of Auckland Port is betting his job on making 1 million dollars a week for the city within three years. It's annouced today it paying a 30 million dividend for the year to its owner Auckland Council.... but has even bigger amibtions. The result's hot on the heels of fierce critic Mayor Wayne Brown, revealing his vision to potentially turn a chunk of Port land into a waterfront park complete with a city beach. The mayor's previously claimed the ports an inefficient money waste . Port of Auckland CEO Roger Gray reckon council officials are pretty pleased with the final number.

Communities hit hard by Auckland's January and February storms will soon have their say on a $2 billion cost-sharing package to repair the damage and help Aucklanders move on with their lives. The Government will pay just over $1 billion to help repair roads, build flood resilience and meet buy-out costs for 700 homes that are no longer fit to live in. The Council will match that sum, subject to changes following public consultation. [picture id="4LE9REZ_4F0A6324_jpg_1" crop="16x10" layout="full"] Mayor Wayne Brown says it's a chance for Aucklanders to move towards a new normal. Mayor Brown declined to speak with Morning Report. Auckland Councillor Lotu Fuli who represents the Manukau Ward, spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland's mayor Wayne Brown has unveiled a vision of how he'd like the waterfront to look, under his mission to claw back land currently used by the port. The governing body met behind closed doors this week to discuss the future of the downtown area. They are considering how best to convert parts of the port to public use, including proposals for a tidal pool, a water-based amphitheatre and an exhibition centre. Some Aucklanders are not impressed, while others say it would be an attraction for the city. Our reporter Lucy Xia has more.

Mayor Wayne Brown's unveiled a vision to turn Auckland's working port into a sophisticated waterfront playround for the public, with stage one of the development possible in the next five years. Councillors have been meeting behind closed to discuss possible options for the land that largely belong to Ports of Auckland - which in turn is owned by the council but operated independently. Wayne Brown says a revamped waterfront could include an urban beach or a tidal pool where people can actually touch the water, an amphitheatre and an internatonal event and exhibition venue and a Te Ao maori centre. He's promising public consultation...but what does Ports of Auckland think about potentially being evicted. CEO Roger Gray joins us now [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6332338517112

Auckland's dilapidated St James Theatre has been given a cash injection from the government - but the city's mayor says a matching Council payment won't be made unless construction is underway by next July. Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced a $15m contribution to the restoration of the St James - which has been closed for 15 years - to sit alongside funding from Auckland Council and the owner. But the New Zealand Herald reported this morning Mayor Wayne Brown had written to the Minister, to say the $15 million set aside by Council in 2016 would only be available until June 30 next year. He described it as "impetus" for the restoration to move forward and suggested if construction wasn't underway the Council would recommend the building is demolished. The St James is designated a Category 1 heritage building. So when WILL work begin on the St James? Kathryn talks to the building's owner Steve Bielby from Auckland Notable Properties Trust.