devonportflagstaff.co.nz
July 17, 2026
Paradox closes, another bookstore opens... p3
Devonport Lanes meeting and debate... p5-7
Interview: Community worker Lofty Ned... p22-23
Brown passed on Peninsula’s view after lobbying
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown used his position to advance an argument put to him by Peninsula Capital, one of his campaign donors, emails obtained by the Devonport Flagstaff show. Peninsula Capital contributed $25,000 to Brown’s campaign fund leading into the 2025 local body election. Under the Official Information Act, the Flagstaff asked for any emails between
Peninsula Capital and Brown over the last two years. An email and attached letter from Peninsula Capital to Brown on September 11, 2025 points to the “missed opportunity” to include ferry services to Devonport as rapid transit services in planning regulations. The inclusion “would enable significant urban intensification in appropriate locations, in Auckland”, Peninsula Capital said.
A national policy statement definition referring only to road or rail as rapid transit appeared to “unintentionally” exclude ferry routes. Brown forwarded the email and letter to council CEO Phil Wilson and director of policy, planning and governance Megan Tyler, with the tagline Devonport Ferry – Rapid Transit. To page 4
Ballboys snaffle the silverware
Pride... Shore ballboys (from left) Liam Tilley, Janco Steyn, Beau Cooper and Cooper Blucher got their hands on the trophy after the club’s prem reserves won their final last Saturday. Story, page 11.