Len Brown's adviser charged with drink driving

Len Brown's chief policy and political adviser has been charged with careless driving and drink driving. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland Mayor Len Brown's chief policy and political adviser, James Bews-Hair, has been charged with careless driving and drink driving following an incident last month.

Bews-Hair was driving from a work Christmas party to his daughter's birthday party on December 11 when he crashed into a parked car on Upland Rd, Remuera, a source told the Herald.

Following the accident, Mr Bews-Hair, who lives in Remuera, entered rehabilitation and joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to address problems with alcohol.

He will appear in the Auckland District Court on the charges next month.

The Herald asked the mayor's office about the incident and what it meant for Bews-Hair's current and future employment.

A council spokesman said it was aware that a staff member was facing charges in relation to an alcohol-related, non-injury motor vehicle accident.

"Auckland Council does not condone negative or unsafe behaviour associated with alcohol use by any staff members.

"We are addressing the matter with the employee concerned and providing appropriate support but will not be commenting further at this stage," the spokesman said.

Police did not respond to Herald questions about the incident.

Bews-Hair is the second staff member in the mayoral office to be charged over a motoring incident.

Police did not respond to Herald questions about the incident.