Auckland Mayor Tells Government: Sod Off

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told central government politicians to "sod off" in a manifesto released on Wednesday for the November 7 election. He described his relationship with national leaders as a plea to leave the city alone.

Brown stated he has had a "gutsful" of policies imposed on Auckland that cost more than they benefit. His document lists five main priorities for the next government. These include faster and cheaper public transport, targeted growth, and continued cuts to unnecessary rules.

The mayor focused heavily on transport spending. He criticized the New Zealand Transport Agency for allocating massive sums to motorways without consulting the city council. He pointed to a project between Warkworth and Te Hana. Brown noted the cost is estimated at $3.2 billion, with some figures reaching $3.6 billion.

"You can build a nice hotel for less than that, and that's for a road," Brown said. He argued the 25-kilometer highway would only save drivers seven minutes. He added that the route design limits truck traffic to one vehicle per direction per day.

Brown called for a rational 30-year plan for moving people and goods. He said roads should serve transport needs, not political re-election campaigns. He rejected the idea of building highways simply to win votes in specific areas.

On housing, Brown criticized the government's intervention in Auckland's unitary plan. He cited the Medium-Density Residential Standards that allow three three-storey homes on a section. He said politicians, including ACT leader David Seymour, flipped on these standards after meeting with residents in leafy suburbs.

Brown described New Zealand as the most centrally managed country in the world. He noted Auckland accounts for 40% of the national population. He said the city effectively acts as a state government. He warned that politicians announce unaffordable projects during elections to shift blame to other parties if they fail.