KEY POINTS:
Spoiling tactics by political parties are to blame for the proposed billboard ban in Auckland City, says a former mayoral press secretary.
Cameron Brewer, who worked for former mayor John Banks and is now general manager of the Newmarket Business Association, said the proposed ban was motivated by the Labour Party's desire to cut National Party advertising opportunities.
National's billboards contrasting its policies with Labour's before the 2005 election "sent a shiver down the Labour Party spine", said Mr Brewer.
"After a close result, Labour was not only keen to cut off the private funding streams, but it was also keen to cut off National's outdoor advertising opportunities in central Auckland - where elections are won and lost."
He said Richard Northey, the chairman of the billboards hearing panel, was a former Labour MP and the signs hearing panel was chaired by Glenda Fryer, who he said, was an aspiring Labour MP.
But Mr Northey said: "It's nonsense ... this is not political in any form."
The bylaw review was required by law, and council officers had recommended tighter controls on signs and billboards.
