Mayor to lead $100,000 Britomart parade

Auckland City Mayor John Banks will lead a procession down Queen St in a horse-drawn carriage under plans for a $100,000 opening of the Britomart transport project.

Mr Banks, accompanied by his wife, Amanda, will leave his Town Hall office in the mayoral robes and chains, flanked by officers from the armed forces, to open the $211 million centre he once labelled the "temple at the bottom of Queen St".

Deputy Mayor and Britomart critic David Hay, transport chairman Greg McKeown and their wives are also expected to travel by carriage down Queen St on July 25 in a symbolic gesture to the former Chief Post Office.

The restored Edwardian building is the main entrance for the new transport centre.

Opening costs have blown out from an initial budget of $20,000.

A brass band, a lone piper, flares, a confetti cannon, a marquee and catering for 300 invited guests are part of an afternoon of events.

The $100,000 cost to ratepayers includes a site blessing by Ngati Whatua on June 20, events around the first commuter train into Britomart on July 7 and a public open day on Saturday, July 26.

Mr Banks defended the six-figure bill. "It is worthy of some celebration. We put success on a pedestal at the Auckland City."

The straight-talker did not back down from comments he made about Britomart at the local body elections.

"While someone else was responsible for building the 'train garage', I think I have been responsible in getting together the 'train set' and the trains to run in and out."