Protestors slam Brown

A protester attempts to disrupt the Anti Len Brown Protest. Photo / Jason Dorday

Citizens march through Central Auckland

Hundreds of people marched on Auckland's Queen St yesterday calling for Mayor Len Brown to resign.

The latest protests came as offical documents revealed the extent of civil servants' concern about Brown's safety after revelations of his extramarital affair in council chambers and freebie hotel rooms.

Emails released under the Official Information Act show Auckland Transport hired extra security guards at the last minute for Brown's first public outing of the year, after Auckland Transport public affairs and communications' boss Wally Thomas raised fears about protest action at the event.

Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer said the emails showed Auckland Transport and Brown misled the public by claiming the heavy security was standard practice.

"If the mayor is going to restore public confidence and trust in him and Auckland Council, then the fibbing has got to stop," Brewer said.

A spokesman for Brown said yesterday the mayoral office had no security budget, and the mayor did not seek "anything more than normal security at events".

A handful of banner-wielding protesters heckled Brown at the hub's opening on January 17, and then yesterday, a 300-strong march made its way through the city centre.

Chants of "Len Brown stand down" and "If it's Brown flush it down" echoed out, drawing attention from shoppers and bystanders who stopped to watch the protest go by.

People of all ages came out to show their anger at Brown, pointing not just at his affair with council advisor Bevan Chuang, but his economic policies, hotel upgrades and plans for the city.

However, the protesters were met with a few protesters themselves, as a number of people disrupted the proceedings to voice their support of Brown. One woman, who interrupted the speeches at Aotea Square, almost sparked a brawl as a row erupted between her and another woman in the crowd.