Wayne Brown under investigation for driving while on the phone

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown joins a Transport Committee meeting via video call while driving, prompting concerns about appropriate conduct during official council business.

Wayne Brown is under investigation by police for driving while making a phone call.

The Auckland mayor phoned into a council meeting last week while behind the wheel.

The offence carries a fine of $150 and 20 demerit points.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is under investigation by police for driving while making a phone call.

Brown phoned into a meeting of Auckland Council’s Transport Committee last Thursday while he was behind the wheel.

The video call lasted around three minutes and saw Brown attempt to ask questions of officials at the meeting while simultaneously checking his mirrors and keeping his eye on the road. At one point an audible gasp of laughter can be heard coming from the room.

At the end of the phone call, the committee chair Andrew Baker says “happy driving” to Brown.

Brown has apologised for the incident, and his apology has been conveyed to his colleagues.

Wayne Brown driving while on the phone during a council meeting.

In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the mayor said he attended the meeting online, for the “most part” at home, but “continued to listen on his phone while driving to his next engagement, hands-free”.

Brown recognised his behaviour was not appropriate and “apologises for the error in judgement,” the spokesperson added.

Driving while on the phone carries a fine of $150 and 20 demerit points.

Police told Stuff inquiries were in the early stages to establish the circumstances in relation to Brown’s call.

“We are in the process of collating this information and making enquiries, which will determine the next appropriate steps,” they said.