WWF calls on new Auckland Mayor to get to work on public transport

As newly-elected Auckland Super-City Mayor Len Brown proclaimed transport a top priority, campaigners from WWF-New Zealand wasted no time starting work yesterday on one of his pre-election promises - the inner city rail loop.

A special construction team from the conservation organisation led by its panda mascot staged an impromptu 'dig in' at Viaduct Harbour, just down the street from the Britomart rail terminal, complete with a 'magic hole' created by a local artist. It was amongst thousands of events taking place globally today, for the 10:10:10 global work party organised by campaign group 350.org to call on politicians around the world to 'get to work' on climate change.

WWF Campaigner Lee Barry said: "It's a pity Len couldn't be here to see the first spade turned on this one, but we know from his promises on the campaign trail that he is raring to go on sustainable local transport initiatives just like it.

"Work like this is massively overdue for Auckland. We can't afford to waste time on getting our city moving and tackling climate change."

Unsurprisingly, the 'dig' attracted the interest of passers by, who were invited to get stuck in with their own messages to the mayor. WWF will send these to Mr Brown, to encourage the new mayor to waste no time starting work on improving public transport.

"We had a great response from locals wanting to make sure Len keeps his promises," said Lee. "We also had some tourists take part, which reminded us of the global importance of these issues."

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