Mayor calls for candidates to take a stand on asset ownership

Auckland Mayor Len Brown.

Auckland mayor Len Brown is calling for all council candidates to declare their stance on the topic of ownership of the region's public assets.

Mr Brown, who supports retaining public ownership of the port, airport shares and water company, says it's not a matter which has been openly discussed.

With the local elections less than a week away, Mr Brown says it's time to separate the serious contenders from the rest on a critical issue.

"Where people stand on that issue of public ownership of assets is a very important issue for the public of Auckland to be aware of.''