Mayor Wayne Brown and I don’t always see eye to eye on every issue, in fact sometimes our views are diametrically opposed, but when it comes to disestablishing key council controlled organisations like Auckland Transport (AT) we are on the same page.
Wayne was elected in 2022 on a promise to 'Fix Auckland'. He made it sound so easy. AT was out of control with huge budget over runs, shoddy workmanship and delivery delays that frustrated everyone. Shop keepers lost essential parking, traffic calming caused deep irritation and safety became the excuse for an obstacle course of humps, bumps and hit sticks. Wayne soon realised that a stern letter to the Tzar of AT (Dean Kimpton) wouldn’t cut it. He turned to (Phil Wilson) the CEO of Auckland Council and the elite executives occupying the top floor of the inaccessible council headquarters in Victoria Street.
These unelected officers were not used to being told what to do so opposed the Mayor’s plans, then quickly closed ranks around Wayne saying to the media that he was powerless to bring about change to enact his public promises or to stop the waste of public funds. In short they conspired to assist his demise. However, Wayne is no fool. The officials underestimated his intelligence, ability to build alliances and his rough as guts common touch. When he figured out it was the Super City legislation foisted upon Auckland by the Act Party boss Rodney Hyde over 14 years ago, he worked out a plan.
In a master stroke of conciliation, Wayne reached out to the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown. Together, they realised that legislative change was the only way to curb the unpopular and excessive spending of both AT and NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency). Instinctively, the Mayor knows that the public wants action, an end to the roading chaos and excessive spending. They want their local villages left alone and essential parking returned.
In the RNZ article of 19 November by Jessica Hopkins, Wayne was quoted as saying: “We need to make structural and cultural change to remove inefficiencies, poorly aligned strategies and strengthen democratic accountability. Doing so will improve public trust and confidence, cost-effectiveness and overcome the duplication of services currently funded by the ratepayer." Brown's draft Mayoral Proposal for the Auckland Council's 2025-2026 annual plan released this month would see the council take control of Auckland Transport's back-office functions and strategic direction. This includes all communications, marketing, legal and finance functions." I was clear when I ran for mayor that I would take back control of council organisations and make them democratically accountable. Aucklanders voted for CCO reform, and they expect us to get on with the job.” Brown said.
People are desperate for change, for leadership that puts the public at the centre of social, economic and environmental prosperity. So when you hear Wayne banging on about restructuring AT, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Eke Panuku (Auckland Property Ltd) it is a good idea!
Also set to be abolished is Eke Panuku; their involvement in urban regeneration has led to much public outrage, duplication and confusion over the motivation and accountability of many projects.
While Wayne is busy creating structural changes we need to continue the pressure on our local Waitematā Board. The Mayor’s plan will enable local boards to have greater decision-making power over urban regeneration ‘apparently’ allowing the community to have greater in put into 'local placemaking’.
The truth is that at the last local body elections, City Vision was rejected by the public, lost the popular vote, but gained total control of the Waitematā Board by ensuring the chair went to the City Vision plant masquerading as a C&R candidate. This unethical behaviour has resulted in our local democracy being skewed. City Vision led by Alex Bonham supported by Northey, Matson and Sage is deeply biased and undemocratic. I believe they all need to be voted out at the next election.
If the Wayne Brown can deliver on his election promises and fix Auckland he could easily defeat his closest opponent, Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, even though she can rock a fluro pink Chanel twin set and pearls much better than him.
Wishing you all a very happy holiday!
Lisa Prager, Westmere