Nine To Noon Around the motu: Simon Wilson in Auckland
Mar 1, 2026
Simon Wilson, Listener columnist and long-time Auckland commentator, digs into local politics and planning. He discusses Wayne Brown's national ambitions and the electoral hurdles. He breaks down debates over a second harbour crossing, the light-rail/metro cost issues, and tensions around Hauraki Gulf protections. He also touches on local disputes from Queen Street woes to park and flood-plan choices.
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Mayoral Bombast Can Become National Appeal
- Wayne Brown's mayoral persona could translate to national appeal because he is bombastic and confident rather than a polished politician.
- Simon Wilson compares Brown to Boris Johnson and notes Brown's 180,000 mayoral votes as a potential base if he pursued Parliament.
Commission Forces Choice Between Big Crossings And Local Fixes
- The Infrastructure Commission's 30-year plan challenges Auckland's big-ticket road projects by suggesting high tolls and questioning their justification.
- The report forces a political choice between costly flagship crossings and practical fixes like intersections, potholes, and level crossing separations.
Use Existing Transport Assets Before Building New Roads
- Make best use of existing transport assets before committing to large new roads, including shifting freight from road to rail.
- Simon Wilson highlights cheaper alternatives and asks whether all trucks need to be on the road between Auckland and Whangarei.