Crisis threatens to wreck Auckland's investments

News that a number of left-wing councillors are going to back a motion to countermand a Ports of Auckland decision to contract out work is reckless brinksmanship that would wreck valuable investments held on behalf of Auckland ratepayers, according to Christine Fletcher, leader of Citizens & Ratepayers and speaking on behalf of a number of independent councillors.

“It smacks of desperation by a certain group of politicians, who want to curry favour with their union cohorts. It also would have the effect of humiliating Mayor Len Brown, who has made it clear it isn’t the job of politicians to leap into this dispute and push management around.”

"In essence, the Auckland Council holds the Ports of Auckland ownership on behalf of Auckland residents and ratepayers. It's one of Auckland's most important economic development assets and its proper performance is key for Auckland's future. That's why Mayor Len Brown is right to say he must govern for all Aucklanders."

"Even worse, the passing of Cr Northey’s motion would confirm a very public schism between the Mayor’s executive role and the councillors he is supposed to rely on most for implementing his vision. In addition to it being a very public backflip by Cr Northey when he supported the Ports management on December 8, it sets up a looming conflict between the Mayor and the person appointed by the Mayor to run the Accountability and Performance Committee. This has major implications for Auckland's governance in its first term as a supercity, and is why the Mayor should not wait until Thursday, but call an extraordinary council meeting for as soon as possible to resolve this matter", said Cr Fletcher.

"This desperate action by renegade councillors is also giving false hope to picketing wharfies, where yesterday's discontent is now mutating into today's violence."

"Should the Ports be interfered with by the council, then it's highly likely that the Port's performance will be badly affected. Ratepayers will have to pour in cash to prop up an asset which instead should rightly be paying a good dividend to the city that helps keep rates down. The Auckland economy will suffer. The council's collaborative approach to issues will likewise be ruined," said Cr Fletcher.

ENDS

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