Not a bad idea

The Herald reports:

Len Brown didn’t spend much time sitting down during his first “Mayor on the chair session” in Aotea Square yesterday. …

From 12.30 to 1.30pm, Mr Brown sat – then stood – in the rain under an umbrella, chatting to members of the public who had a range of questions for him from whether he was a Christian to what he could do for students worried about losing accommodation during the Rugby World Cup and how to improve the angle of parking spaces. …

In Mr Brown’s weekly Mayor in the Chair sessions, no bookings are required and he goes to the citizens.

Each week, he will go to a different part of the city so he can get a feel for the community and talk to people about their concerns or issues.

It’s an idea he has brought with him from his time as Manukau Mayor and one that proved so popular, there was never a shortage of people to talk to during his hour with them.

You know that’s not a bad idea – having an hour a week where you can meet the Mayor on any issue without an appointment. Sure, it is partly a media gimmick, but it is also a good way to stay connected and provide an avenue for residents to get issues looked at, without the normal bureaucratic hurdles.