Tamihere tags Goff as Govt ‘puppet’
Auckland mayoral candidate John Tamihere has “welcomed” Phil Goff’s announcement he is seeking a second term but labelled him “a puppet for central government”.
Mayor Phil Goff announced in an exclusive interview with the
that he is seeking a second term with a promise of bigger rates increases.
Goff is placing trust at the centre of his campaigns as he squares off against former Labour MP John Tamihere, who will have councillor and former National MP Christine Fletcher as his running mate.
On Goff’s announcement, Tamihere said Goff had “stumbled” on a decision to seek re-election and claimed the incumbent was a “reluctant” candidate.
“It’s game on. I’ve been waiting for Phil to make up his mind and I’m glad he has finally come to a decision,” he said.
“Auckland desperately needs strong leadership and that’s why I’ve committed to being mayor for three terms elected.”
Tamihere identified a number of issues that had arisen under Goff’s leadership.
“Auckland Transport is totally out of control with their sham consultation processes, the huge waste of money we see around the city and their obvious and deliberate policies to create rather than ease congestion.
“Why hasn’t Phil pushed back against the plan to slow the entire city down by making 700 kilometres of our roads only 30km/hour?
“Even the Automobile Association says this will create even more congestion.”
Tamihere said council spending and debt levels were also “out of control” and there had been huge cost blowouts in infrastructure projects.
“What’s worse, is he’s trying to fool us by saying he’s independent, even though Labour has endorsed his mayoral campaign?” Tamihere said.
“He looks like a puppet for central government. I’m putting Auckland first. I’m independent and I won’t be a puppet.”
Meanwhile, Goff said he would be standing on his merits, integrity, skill, experience and trustworthiness.
“Other candidates will have to do the same,” he said.
“Every candidate that puts themselves forward will need to face scrutiny and prove to the public they are able to be trusted to run the affairs of the city.”
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