Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

As a born and bred Aucklander, who I’m ashamed to say, once voted for Phil Goff as Mayor, I can honestly say, we won’t miss him.  You don’t need to live or work in Auckland to see what an absolute cluster it is. The place is a mess. The CBD’s been obliterated, the roads ruined, the infrastructure is shocking, the traffic’s the worst it’s ever been, the development of shoddy buildings and infill housing is depressing, and the public transport system an absolute joke. It’s not all Phil’s fault of course. But most of it is.  He cited in his retirement announcement the things he was proud of - containing the spread of Kauri die back was one. I rest my case. Show me the Aucklander who gives a toss about Kauri die back when they’re stuck in commuter traffic for hours on end and there’s not a bus or a train to be seen. He thinks Auckland is a world class city now. I’ve lived here all my life, and having also lived in London, I can tell you categorically, it’s not.  He also cites as part of his success, implementing