Mayors differ on race issue

John Banks. Photo / The Aucklander

Manukau Mayor Len Brown wants to split up Auckland on race by supporting separate Maori seats on the Auckland Council, says his main rival for the Super City mayoralty, John Banks.

"I don't support that. I'm not going to divide this city up on race," Mr Banks said during a mayoral debate on TV3's Campbell Live last night.

The Auckland City Mayor and former National Cabinet minister is opposed to separate Maori seats on the Auckland Council, which were recommended by the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

The Government dropped the commission's call for three Maori seats after Local Government Minister Rodney Hide said he would resign rather than have a bill in his name that was contrary to Act Party policy.

Mr Banks said if elected he would have a Maori representative in the mayor's office chosen by the 13 iwi across the region.

Mr Brown characterised Mr Banks' commitment to "another change and do you believe it?". He said he had a record of inclusion in Manukau.

"I have had a senior Maori adviser in my office, we have had a Treaty of Waitangi committee."