Brown launches sales pitch for Auckland port lease

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has trotted out what he says is "strong support" by ratepayers for handing over a long-term operating lease on port land.Brown's office issued a media release late Thursday evening, citing a Curia market research poll – commissioned by his office – that showed "71% support" for leasing Port of Auckland (POAL) operations for up to 35 years under a deal that would involve an upfront payment of "several" billion dollars.Under that plan, the Auckland council would still retain...