Brown tells national parties to back off

Wayne Brown told national politicians to "sod off" or "keep out of it" as he released his election manifesto on Wednesday. The document outlines his demands for the next government regarding Auckland's development and infrastructure. Brown, who represents a city accounting for 40% of New Zealand's population, argued that the region is effectively a state government within the nation.

The mayor criticized the New Zealand Transport Agency for spending "ridiculous sums" on motorways without consulting local leadership. He cited a project between Warkworth and Te Hana, described as a 25-kilometer stretch of highway. The cost is estimated at $3.2 billion, with some estimates reaching $3.6 billion. Brown noted that the agency had not even shown him the proposed route. He argued the project would save drivers only seven minutes per trip while limiting traffic flow to one truck per day.

"You can build a nice hotel for less than that, and that's for a road," Brown said. "And what is that going to do? It's seven minutes quicker .. I can only get one truck down and back in a day, anyhow." He called for a rational 30-year plan focused on moving people and goods efficiently with available funds, rather than building roads for political gain.

On housing, Brown opposed recent interventions in Auckland's unitary plan. He specifically criticized the Medium-Density Residential Standards, which allow three three-storey homes on each section. He pointed to the political shift in the Epsom electorate, where ACT leader David Seymour changed his stance on the standards. "They discovered all the people in the leafy suburbs, and the member for Epsom suddenly thought 'Oh, I might not get re-elected, so I don't like this'," Brown said.

Brown described New Zealand as the most centrally managed country in the world. He contrasted Auckland with other modern cities that manage their own police and schools. While acknowledging a "long list" of areas where the council and government have collaborated, he accused politicians of launching a "seven-pronged attack" on the public with unaffordable promises. He warned that parties often blame each other for failed projects, citing leaders like Winston Peters and David Seymour as examples of those who block initiatives.

"So I want them to say 'Wayne is not going to let you do it'," Brown said. "Think about me. Because I represent the city, and .. I had something which none of them will experience, it's a landslide." The manifesto lists five main priorities for the next term. These include faster, cheaper public transport, supporting growth in the right places, advancing Auckland's global economic drive, cutting unnecessary rules, and maintaining resilience and environmental standards.

The manifesto serves as a direct appeal to voters and national leaders ahead of the November 7 election. Brown’s message centers on local autonomy and fiscal responsibility. He emphasized that Aucklanders have spent significant money on trains and bus routes and have a rational method for developing the city. The document positions the local government as a counterweight to central planning decisions.