Commissioner finds Auckland mayor breached code of conduct

Tuesday 1 September 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 1 Sep, 4:51pm

In this story Auckland Council, Wayne Brown

Independent commissioner Paul Collins has ruled that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown harassed an RNZ employee by calling them a "Muslim terrorist". The remark, made in April, was found to have brought the council into disrepute. Brown has apologised for the comments and met with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.

How they headlined it

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1. The PostTue 1 Sep, 2:05pm

   Commissioner upholds 'harassment' complaint against Auckland mayor, but no sanctions (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 1 Sep, 3:58pm

   Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown breached code over ‘Muslim terrorist’ remark, commissioner finds (opens in new tab)

3. StuffTue 1 Sep, 4:19pm

   Wayne Brown’s ‘Muslim terrorist’ comment brought Council into disrepute, commissioner finds (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesTue 1 Sep, 4:51pm

   Mayor found to have harassed RNZ worker with 'terrorist' comment (opens in new tab)