Olympic hero cold on torch

By CATHY ARONSON

One of New Zealand's greatest Olympians does not want his city to help pay for a relay carrying the Sydney Olympic torch through the Auckland area - even though he will be one of the torch-bearers.

John Walker, now a Manukau City councillor, voted against giving any money to Auckland City, which is hosting the event.

Auckland asked Manukau and North Shore for $15,000 each. North Shore is giving $5000, but Manukau refused to pay anything.

The torch arrives in Auckland on June 7, and about 150 runners will carry it in a 50km relay through Auckland City, Manukau and the North Shore.

But Mr Walker, who won gold in the 1500m at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, says Manukau will get nothing from the event.

"The torch will go through Manukau so quickly it's not funny, and the international media will not even notice us," he said.

"The decision wasn't made lightly. As much as I would like to contribute, as a councillor I knew there would be no commercial return to the ratepayers."

Councillor Victoria Carter, head of the Auckland City attractions committee, said Auckland was sick of picking up the tab for projects that benefited the rest of the region.

Manukau will pay around $1000 to organise the relay start ceremony at Auckland International Airport.

Auckland City Council's sponsorship manager, Brad Clark, said Auckland had secured sponsorship to cover the shortfall.