Podcasts about mayor wayne brown

The Prime Minister says if the Government introduces a Bed Tax, it wants to ensure it does it the right way. An Auckland regional deal, signed by the council and the Government, includes a promise to look into a tax next year. Mayor Wayne Brown has been campaigning for the bed night levy on visitors - arguing it would help fund destination marketing and events. Christopher Luxon says there are a lot of conversations to be had. He says it's a question of whether it should be a national tax, as travellers may be frustrated with different levies in different regions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anna Rāwhiti-Connell and Phil O'Reilly. First up, the big 7.9% rates increase has been passed in Auckland. Mayor Wayne Brown explains why it's necessary. Then, a community support centre in Whangarei is being forced to close, arguably in a time when people need it most. Manager Angela McGregor tells the story.

Aucklanders' rates bills are set to rise by an average of 7 point 9 percent. Councillors voted yesterday to accept the annual budget proposed by Mayor Wayne Brown, which sets an ambitious target of cutting operating costs by one-hundred and six million dollars. But the vote wasn't without heated debate on whether even more savings could be found. Erin Johnson reports.

It's Friday Faceoff - Nick Mills is joined by former Wellington City Mayor Dame Kerry Prendergast and broadcaster and journalist Mark Sainsbury. Prendergast discusses the success of the Phoenix Women's team who are preparing for their first grand final ever against Melbourne City tomorrow night. Then the panel debate shutting the Kāpiti Airport. Would it be better if property developers took over? Mayor Wayne Brown says we've spent $3 million bringing "tattooed pom" Robbie Williams to our shores for two concerts - the Eden Park show is not selling well. Should we be more selective with acts using the fund? Golden Mile review panel is costing ratepayers $400,000 and have fronted the council to share their methodology. What do we do with the Golden Mile? Should the review be scrapped? And onto immigration. Paul Spoonley says it is not a political priority for everyday Kiwis. Prendergast and Sainsbury list their election priorities and how we should plan for successful immigration policy. Then we hear the panel's hots and nots. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has taken a swing at the Government's $70 million major events fund - while seemingly revealing its spend on bringing Robbie Williams here this year. Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner says he can't confirm that figure and Wayne Brown's comments are disappointing. "The mayor - part of his role is to advocate for our city. Now, I'm not privy to the investment level. What I am privy to is the fact that the Government took a leadership position on getting major events back into the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It will be the single biggest piece of infrastructure that New Zealand will build. Remember when Shane Jones' Northport was going to be the single biggest piece of infrastructure? Well, now that's gone the way of the dodo. So the single biggest piece of infrastructure that New Zealand will build in our lifetimes, will come when the Government makes the decision on what a new Auckland Harbour crossing will look like. The time for discussion and debate is over, there simply isn't that luxury. We've been faffing around another crossing for decades. New Zealand Transport Agency released two June 2025 reports relating to the current bridge's —the only bridge's— state of wear, and the documents show that many areas of the bridge are vulnerable and increasingly fraying under use. The annual maintenance and repair costs now surpass $25 million. And I suppose when you're 67 years old, you're not as strong as you used to be and you need a bit of extra work. You might have seen the images of the bridge wobbling and wavering. As someone who uses the bridge just about every single day and makes at least two crossings, I feel like I'm playing Russian roulette on wheels every time I drive over it. I think, well, here we go. She's been a good life. No one can say I was taken too soon. Hoots away and off we go. And then when you get to the other side, you think, well, we live another day. There are approximately 170–180,000 vehicles crossing that bridge daily, with some days having more than 200,000 crossings. It is considered the busiest section of State Highway in New Zealand, serving as a critical transport connection for more than 64 million vehicles annually. It's not just about Aucklanders; it affects far more New Zealanders than that. But from the day the Harbour Bridge opened in 1959 there have been calls for another alternate crossing. In 1987 and 1988, studies for tunnels and additional bridge structures were conducted. In 2008, Option 2C was developed – a major plan involving two new tunnels. In 2021, I remember that a $785 million walking and cycle bridge was announced, oh, and then cancelled within four months. But the consultants earned themselves a good whack. 2023, the Government revealed five new distinct options including tunnels, light rail, and bridges. And ‘24 to ‘26 continued debate over the bridge versus the tunnel options. And you had Mayor Wayne Brown's Meola Reef Bridge proposal, which seemed absolutely barking to me – none of the benefits of that were explained properly. So now it's been narrowed down to two options, and Transport Minister Chris Bishop is confident he can make it happen. And as he told Heather du Plessis Allan, he is engaging with all the other parties for their support. “I do not want to be the Transport Minister who announces, you know, a big pie in the sky plan and says we're going to do this and we're going to do that and it all turns to custard and it doesn't actually end up happening. I'm going about this in a very deliberate way. We're taking a very evidence-led approach. We've been engaging with the market. We've had a barge in the harbour doing geotech work. We've had extensive studies into it. So I'm just going about this in the right way and it's going to the NZTA board for a decision in terms of a preferred option next month, and then it'll come to Cabinet and we'll be engaging with other parties around it.” Right, so next month, what do you think? What's it going to be? A tunnel or another bridge? It would be great to see other options, like the cycling, like the walking. As a tourist attraction, it'd be fantastic to have the cycling and the walking options. But ultimately, we need to commit. This country, successive governments, and successive generations of voters, has put off doing the hard stuff for far too long. Next month will be about a decade too late, but at least there'll be an option on the table, and we have to act on it, and we have to ensure that there's cross party support. And hopefully, the other parties don't play silly buggers and play hard to get and want all sorts of baubles to get the support, because it is far too important for that. It's time to put on our big girls' and big boys' undies and commit to this sort of infrastructure, the sort of infrastructure we need to future proof New Zealand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A "Muslim terrorist," that is how Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown referred to an RNZ staffer of Indian descent, when the man escorted him into the building for an interview on Monday. The staffer apologised to the Mayor for having to wait due to security; the Mayor responded with a comment along the lines of 'security can't be very tight if we're being escorted by a Muslim terrorist.' Reporter Rowan Quinn spoke to Lisa Owen.

Time for this weeks expert feature. Today Jesse is joined in the studio by Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown. Wayne has been Mayor of New Zealand's largest city since 2022 and in that time it's fair to say, you're not left wondering how he feels about issues. Honesty that seems to be working for Aucklanders as he romped home in the latest election.

Auckland has signed a landmark deal with the Government promising infrastructure investment, housing, transport and economic development. There is even talk of the bed tax that Mayor Wayne Brown has long been calling for. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Mayor Brown are both calling this a major win that will mean greater co-operation. Joining Jesse with his reaction to the deal is Karl Budge, former Chief Executive of the ASB Classic and newly appointed Chief Executive of the Blues.

Auckland's mayor and the Government are locking horns over reworked housing density rules for the city. A fortnight ago, the government agreed to slash the number of houses Auckland has to plan for from over two million down to 1.6 million. Auckland's Mayor says the government now expects Auckland Council to provide maps of intended zoning changes ahead of law its law changes, that's something Wayne Brown has given a hard no. Mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

Guest: Wing Commander Barry “Patch” Nelson Host: Dave Homewood Recorded: ‎29th of ‎December ‎2025 Released: 1st of March 2026 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes 26 seconds Have you ever wondered what is involved when a new aircraft type is selected for service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force? In this episode of the Wings Over New Zealand Show, Dave Homewood speaks with Wing Commander Barry “Patch” Nelson on this very topic. Patch was in charge if the Royal New Zealand Air Force team who were responsible for the their part in the selection of the NHIndustries NH90 twin-engined medium utility helicopters, to replace the Bell UH-1H Iroquois fleet; and also the selection of the AgustaWestland A109 Light Utility Helicopters that replaced the Bell 47G Sioux fleet. There is an inordinate amount of work involved in selecting a new type, and a massive number of people from all sorts of government departments and community groups all have an input, as Patch explains. This is a fascinating look into the inner workings of a selection team, deep in the heart of Defence Headquarters in Wellington. The NH90 was selected to replace the Iroquois, and the contract to buy nine NH90-TTH variant helicopters was finalised in July-August 2006. The first and second examples of the fleet, NZ3301 and NZ3302, were delivered on the 6th of December 2011, and deliveries followed as they were built, through till 2014. The fleet became fully operational in 2015, and eight examples now form the backbone of No. 3 Squadron. And additional ninth NH90 is held as an Attrition Airframe. The A109LUH is a lightweight, twin-engined helicopter with a modern glass cockpit and a retractable wheeled undercarriage. The A109s were acquired under a NZ$139 million contract signed in May 2008 for the acquisition of the five A109s, plus an additional A109 airframe to be used as a source of spares, as well as a simulator and a spares and support package. The A109s began arriving at Ohakea in May 2011, and five of them are now are operated by the Helicopter Transitional Unit, No. 3 Squadron RNZAF, at Ohakea. Quick Links: • The Royal New Zealand Air Force • The NHIndustries NH90 helicopter • The AugustaWestland A109 helicopter • NHIndustries Site • Leonardo Helicopters (successor to AugustaWestland) site NH90 Helicopter's depart from Westport during EXERCISE SOUTHERN KATIPO 2017, which is a combined joint and interagency Field Training Exercise focused on developing, exercising and evaluating the New Zealand Defence Force’s ability to project forces anywhere in the South West Pacific and either operate independently or with coalition partners. (NZDF Official Photo) An NH90 and an A109 of the RNZAF together at Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow in 2023. (NZDF Official Photo) One of the RNZAF’s new AgustaWestland A109s, NZ3403, over northern Italy, circa 2010. Agusta-Westland Photo. One of the RNZAF’s new AgustaWestland A109s, NZ3403 over northern Italy, circa 2010. Agusta-Westland Photo. One of the RNZAF’s new AgustaWestland A109s, NZ3403 over northern Italy, circa 2010. Agusta-Westland Photo. The official handover of the first A109’s at the production and flight test facility in Vergiate, north of Milan, Ialy. The group from left to right: SQNLDR Chris Moody, FLTLT Wayne Thomas, WGCDR Patch Nelson, SQNLDR Adam Death, AugustWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini, F/S Dale Cox and W/O ‘Mario’ Marteletti. Below: NZDF Photos of NH90s in service. Copyright to NZDF Official. NH90 Images Supplied Ex Blackbird was held at Dip Flat Feb 2022. The ex is designed to expose the pilots and crew to flying in mountainous terrain. Exercise Winchester is 3 Squadron exercise which was held in Waiouru. The purpose of this EX was to qualify and re-qualify Air Force personnel in gunnery in helicopters, and uses the 109 and the NH90. The exercise also involved stationary targets for self-defense. Training in the NH90 flight simulator. Exercise Steel Talon is a helicopter crew training activity conducted by 3 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The aim of the exercise is to train NH90 helicopter crews in day and night tactical battlefield operations for conventional forces. Navy personnel assist with the clean up of debri on the streets of Auckland after the major flooding event as part of Operation Awhina. Mayor Wayne Brown took the opportunity to assist. 3SQN and 5 Aviation Regiment crews conduct 131 bty admin move taskings from RAAF Townsville to the Townsville training area. NZDF personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force take part in Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS23) across Australia. TS23 is a bilateral, biennial Australian hosted and USA supported combined exercise focused on the planning and conduct of a high end, mid-intensity warfighting scenario. The exercise is designed to improve combat readiness, exercise war-fighting skills and systems, whilst advancing combined staff and force interoperability. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and its international partners conduct a military assault against a ‘Becaran’ ‘highland militia’ stronghold on the Rainbow Ski-field near St Arnaud in the Tasman district during SK15. The assault was spear-headed by NZ infantry ‘fast-roped’ by Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH-90 helicopters to take the high ground sorrounding the ski-field, and by a combined Australian-New Zealand ANZAC Ready Reaction Force (RRF), utilising Australian Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, which cleared and secured the rebel base at the ski-field Ex Southern Katipo 2015 (SK15) is a combined, joint, international training field exercise focussed on developing, exercising and evaluating the NZDF's independent amphibious capabilities and ability to project forces anywhere in the South West Pacific. SK15 provides the opportunity to ensure continual preparedness to operate independently or with our coalition partners. The scenario involves a fictional South West Pacific country that has requested international intervention to restore law and order. The scenario allows for an emphasis on amphibious operations within the context of a larger stability and security operation. The following two photos are from Australian Government Defence An NH90 assisting with relief in Australian bushfires, 2019-2020. (ADF Official) RNZAF NH90s operating from a helicopter carrier in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. (ADF Official) The music at the end of this episode is Wild Flower by Joachim Karud.

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.

The Government has confirmed they're considering action to move rough sleepers out of Auckland's city centre. Mayor Wayne Brown has given his go ahead, but the opposition as well as housing advocates have said a policy like this would just move the problem elsewhere and end up creating more harm. No details have been released yet, ministers say they are still working through the issues and how to deal with them, but that hasn't stopped the controversy. LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

Auckland Transport has spent more than $63 million dollars on traffic management and road cones in the past year. Mayor Wayne Brown is criticising the figure - saying it equates to about 3 percent rates rises across the city. But AT says it isn't too much considering its over $1.2-billion infrastructure programme. Road Corridor Access and Coordination Group Manager Tracey Berkahn says new Government guidance may lower costs. "Now there's a lot more thought put into a principles-based approach to it. And so, necessarily, you'll have fewer devices out there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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.