New revelations on PM’s private
tea tape conversation

Noisy exhausts and broken promises at heart of discussion?

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Boy racers and broken election promises appear be at the heart of the infamous tea tape conversation between Prime Minister John Key and former Auckland Mayor John Banks.

The pair met last week for private talks at Urban Café, located on a notoriously noisy road in the busy Auckland suburb of Newmarket.

The recording of their private discussion may have been unexpected. But their choice of venue appears to have been well planned and quite intentional.

It’s understood the two politicians chose a Carlton Gore Road business to draw attention to the continuing nationwide crisis over laws allowing noisy exhausts.

Urban is one of thousands of New Zealand roadside cafes and restaurants affected by unwanted noise from passing boy racers and modified cars.

Both politicians are believed to be frustrated by a lack of progress, following growing public demands for an end to the deafening din.

The extent of the problem was highlighted when Mr Key and Mr Banks appeared to be unable to hear each other inside the café.

They were forced to ask waiting reporters to stand outside, forming a natural barrier between the passing traffic and the cafe.

Noise Off lobby group spokesman Jonathan Gillard says New Zealand remains the Wild West for car exhausts, and the Prime Minister will be feeling embarrassed about his party’s broken promises and lack of action.

“I have no doubt what those two would have been saying as the booming boy racers roared past them on Carlton Gore Road.

“The Prime Minister would almost certainly be seeking advice on his party’s poor handling of the noise issues terrorising every neighbourhood in New Zealand.”

National's Broken Promises

Mr Gillard says during the 2008 campaign, John Key’s party pledged to bring New Zealand in line with overseas standards on noise emissions.

“Mr Key’s government has broken that promise. None of their proposals have been implemented. There has been no action.”

“Businesses, pedestrians and home owners continue to suffer.”

Mr Gillard says Noise Off members all over New Zealand are looking for leadership and honesty on the issue.

“If John Key is serious about a return to power, he needs to spell out a plan of action. This problem has become an international embarrassment for our country.”

“The voters of New Zealand are tired of waiting.”

ENDS

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