“The bucket has never been used and we expect it will remain this way while Brown is Mayor,” he wrote on the auction.
“It comes with a sturdy handle so that Wayne can easily pass it along bucket chains - although we recognise that participation in team efforts is not the Mayor’s forte.
“The bucket holds 9L or approximately 9kg of water. We realise that this might be a little heavy for some, but given the strength and stamina the Mayor has built up playing tennis we think he can handle it.
“Its calm green colour is intended to remind the Mayor that unless we address climate change he is going to need a lot more buckets like this.”
Charlton wrote an open letter to Brown, further explaining the point of the auction.
“Although you were the inspiration for and subject of many humorous jibes I hope you can see the funny side and enter into the spirit of the auction,” he wrote.
“If we can’t laugh at ourselves in times of trouble then we are in deep water indeed;
“While some have criticised the auction as an attack on your mayoralty I see this as a golden opportunity for you to rise above the negative comments about your handling of the flood and show the people of Auckland your human side.
“I would like to invite you to a media event at which the winner of the auction will have the opportunity to present you with the unused bucket.
“We realise you are a busy man and so this brief event can be scheduled at your convenience.
“In addition to receiving the bucket I would like to invite you to sign it and put it back on Trade Me to raise more funds for flood relief.”
The Herald has contacted the Mayor’s office for comment.
