Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has released an updated manifesto outlining his vision for the Super City, which urges Central Government to reconsider its position on allowing a bed night levy, otherwise known as a bed tax.

Sam Warren, a spokesman for the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance, said:

“Mayor Brown’s focus on growth and investment in this update is entirely correct given the massive challenges the city faces—but a new tax is simply not the answer Aucklanders are looking for.”

“The mayor was elected to cut through the tangles of bureaucracy plaguing Council and get them running lean. Taxing short-term visitors to fund more events is a step backwards in this effort.”

“Now is certainly not the time to lose focus. Do not succumb to the same voices that steered us down this path of distraction we find ourselves now.”

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