It will be "one of the most high-profile events that Auckland has ever hosted," Mr Riley said. "We definitely intend to be a major partner in the fight."
So much for the new mayor's belt-tightening regime. Personally, I was outraged that my rates were going to be squandered on a night of show-biz brutality. With families living in cars, the last thing I want my money spent on, is a contest between grown men trying to bash each other's brains out. If we're going to spend money on violence, it should be on reducing it in our homes and streets, not glamourising it.
No doubt Mr Riley could similarly drum up world-wide attention for Auckland by inviting Spanish bull-fighters to set up shop at Eden Park. But is it the sort of profile we want for our city?
Luckily, as I write this, it seems like the boxing event is all hot air. A pie in the sky attempt by the promoter to rustle up a seven-figure sum in a couple of weeks to bring it here.
With Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce telling him to join the queue at the Major Events Development Fund - and cheekily pointing him in Auckland Council's direction - and with no private fight lover willing to put up the cash, it seems our rates are safe.
As for Mr Riley. Well I'm still waiting to hear whether he briefed the mayor beforehand. If he did and the mayor went along with it, I'd be surprised. During the election campaign Mr Goff highlighted the $70 million Ateed spent on promotions each year. He called on the agency to make savings by, amongst other things, working in "joint ventures" with government agencies. Here would have been a good place to start.
Putting the boxing to one side, the try-on with the Queens Wharf walkway alone, was a warning signal to the new mayor, that his wish to return politicians to the top roost at Auckland Council was going to be anything but easy. This makes yesterday's decision to dump the two councillor-directors from the board of Auckland Transport a backward step.
They were the only councillor-directors on the various council controlled organisations set up to run the business activities of the super-city. It was an exception to the rule, made because of the huge ratepayer subsidy going into public transport.
Over the past six years, the two councillors on the AT board, former Auckland mayor Christine Fletcher and former Auckland Regional Council chair, Mike Lee, have ensured there was a voice amongst the suits on the AT board, representing the rest of us.
Both brought deep institutional knowledge to the table. And asked embarrassing questions. Mrs Fletcher was responsible for building the Britomart train station. Mr Lee led the fight for the electrification of the train network and the rebirth of Auckland public transport.
What an own goal for Mr Goff. The bureaucrats and the professional directors will be cracking open the champagne.
