Auckland mayor Len Brown will be formally and publicly censured by his councillors today, but is expected to survive calls for his resignation over breaches of the code of conduct.
An open council meeting will be the stage for dressing-downs from councillors for his failure to declare as gifts, 73 free or upgraded hotel rooms and five political opponents will try to force a vote of no-confidence.
The move may be ruled out of order and Radio New Zealand's Auckland correspondent says it will almost certainly be defeated.
Brown will deliver a statement himself before handing over to deputy mayor Penny Hulse and leaving the meeting as required by standing orders.
The councillors have no powers to do more than formally censure the mayor.