Red-faced mayor mistakes PM for his wife

Auckland Mayor Len brown thought he was texting his wife Shan Inglis. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Auckland Mayor Len Brown was left red-faced after he accidentally texted John Key, thinking the Prime Minister was his wife.

Mr Brown said he had learned his lesson and "it shows the importance of checking whether you're texting your Prime Minister or your wife".

The pair exchanged a light-hearted conversation at the opening of Wynyard Quarter last Saturday about who would win that night's All Blacks game against Australia.

Mayor Brown picked the All Blacks to win by 15 points, but Mr Key was not as confident and said the match would be closer.

The All Blacks beat Australia 30-14 - a margin of 16 points.

On Sunday, Mr Brown had just received a text from the mayoress, Shan Inglis, when another text from an unknown number came through. "You said we would win by 15. Told you to be more optimistic ha," the text read.

Evidently, Mr Brown was confused as to who had texted him, and replied, thinking it was his wife, with: "On way. Picking up coffee. U want? Good meet."

Mr Key jokingly replied: "This is john key and I know it's the full service but even I think coffee delivery is a step too far."

Mr Brown, after he realised it was the Prime Minister and not his wife, was able to laugh off the situation - which could have been much worse.

"Well, what a hoot. Shan sent me a text just before yours and I was rushing to reply. Bloody hell, way too fresh behaviour towards the PM!" Mayor Brown replied.