Auckland mayor Len Brown has refused to answer questions about court action against him, at his first public appearance of the year.
Mr Brown opened a $17 million train and bus interchange at Panmure Station on Saturday.
Len Brown at Panmure on Saturday. Photo: RNZ
Papers have been filed in the Auckland District Court taking a private prosecution against the mayor, relating to a failure to declare the use of upgraded hotel accommodation. The case has been taken up by Wellington man Graham McCready, who says the documents he has filed under the Crimes Act allege bribery and corruption of a public official.
During his speech at the transport hub opening Mr Brown was heckled by one man who called him a disgrace, and another used a duck caller to try to interrupt him.
Security guards were posted at all entrances of the venue and one flanked Mr Brown as he cut the ribbon to open the transport interchange. The mayor stopped to speak briefly with some members of the public before his speech.
Mr Brown later said it was not the occasion to comment on legal action. He said the end of last year was tough but that he had had a relaxing time with his wife and family over the holidays. Mr Brown said it was a new year and the city just wants him to get on with the job.
An opponent of the mayor, Penny Bright, was at the interchange opening holding a large banner, and a few other protesters were at the event.
Veteran protestor Dick Cuthbert said this was his first protest against the mayor and he was horrified that Mr Brown had remained in office and refused to resign. He said Len Brown's behaviour gave no leadership to Auckland when it desperately needed it.
Revelations in October last year of an extra-marital affair brought Mr Brown's spending under scrutiny and the Auckland Council subsequently censured him for failing to declare the use of 73 free or upgraded hotel rooms.