PHOTO: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. STUFF
During a recent interview on future planning, Auckland‘s Mayor Wayne Brown took a swipe at regions south of the Bombay Hills. Brown criticized politicians from Wellington for interfering in Auckland’s affairs and argued that fragmented decision-making and political meddling have hindered the city’s growth.
In an effort to address these concerns, Mayor Brown has authored a manifesto advocating for cross-party consensus on future planning. During a discussion on the matter with AM, Brown expressed his desire for greater authority and funding access for himself and the Auckland Council.
He highlighted a peculiar situation where he lacks the authority to set parking prices in Auckland, emphasizing that parking fines generate more revenue than parking fees due to their low rates. AM host Ryan Bridge humorously admitted to paying parking fines rather than parking legally.
Brown further pointed out that similar parking fines apply in Gore, a town he admitted to knowing little about. Bridge playfully noted that AM had now potentially offended the residents of Horowhenua and Gore.
To this, Mayor Brown responded with good-natured indifference, stating that he doesn’t frequently encounter people from those areas but wishes them well. However, a viewer from Gore named Shane defended his town, implying that Mayor Brown’s attitude is why people are disinterested in Auckland’s struggles.
Shane encouraged Aucklanders to consider relocating to Gore, highlighting its lack of the issues faced by the super city and suggesting that it could teach them that the world doesn’t revolve solely around Auckland. He concluded with a tongue-in-cheek wish for them to enjoy their day and traffic.
SOURCE: NEWSHUB