Mayoral hopeful fires first broadside

The controversial head of the Auckland District Health Board, Wayne Brown, wants to be the next Far North mayor.
And he has already fired his first shot at the current mayor, Yvonne Sharp, saying she was wrong to declare a state of emergency following last week's floods.
Mr Brown declared his intention to stand to around 200 people at the Kerikeri Rugby Club on Saturday night. At this stage he will be running against Ms Sharp, David Simms of Kaitaia, Emma-Gibbs Smith of the Bay of Islands and Kerikeri's Derek Ellis.
Mr Brown said he had nothing against Mayor Sharp but said there was no need for a state of emergency to be called.
"The place had already been through one set of floods back in March and everyone seemed a lot better prepared for this event, so I can't see why we needed to have a state of emergency. It just wasn't necessary."
Mr Brown said his campaign would focus on putting ratepayers back in charge of the council - roads, sewerage and stormwater.
He said there would be less bureaucracy, more services and planning for prosperity.
"The FNDC has got itself offside with ratepayers who are now just a source of income to feed the masses of staff, consultants and councillors, by way of rates and ever-increasing charges for services," he said.
"Huge chunks of rates and the growing list of fees charged disappear into salaries, consultancy fees and councillor costs at the expense of roads, sewerage, stormwater and parks that you want and deserve."
He said if he won the mayoralty he would finish his term as chairman of the Auckland District Health Board and would not seek reappointment to the board.