Project Auckland: Prosperity and profile

An artwork of books, called the Novel Chandelier, hangs from the ceiling at Britomart rail station. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Six weeks from now Auckland's first Super City mayor will be getting down to business.

The Herald's DigiPoll indicates it will be a tight race between John Banks and Len Brown. Banks and Brown have been head to head in several debates. But the discussion quickly defaults to transport projects: Whether Auckland should get a CBD rail loop - a no-brainer given the congestion at Britomart station - a CBD-airport rail link or a new twin tunnels harbour link. Or all three. Frankly, none of these projects - whether funded by central Government or Aucklanders - will be a circuit-breaker for an Auckland economy still languishing in the post-recession doldrums.

Brown's vision is for Auckland to become the "world's most liveable city." Banks says his focus will be on achieving prosperity through investment growth and jobs. What we do need to hear a bit more about in the next few weeks is what these men actually plan to do to achieve their respective visions.

And when the election is over, let's stop the futile bickering on the shape of the Super City and get down to making Auckland super.