More security on cards after man 'took a swing' at Auckland ayor Wayne Brown

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says he's considering additional security measures after a man tried to "take a swing at him" during an event last month.

In a statement, a spokesperson rejected any suggestion that the mayor initiated a physical altercation.

The incident occurred at a fundraiser for the National Party's Auckland Central candidate, Candace Kinser, which Brown attended with his wife.

The spokseperson said a man who Brown didn't know was acting in a physically threatening and aggressive manner and tried to take a swing at him. Brown didn't engage and left the room.

"The Mayor refutes any allegation that he initiated a physical altercation."

The spokesperson said that while the incident was incredibly disappointing, it would not stop Brown from attending public events.

"Occasionally and increasingly, some members of the public are behaving aggressively and in a threatening way towards him."

As a result of the incident, the mayor and his family are looking into additional security measures, both at work and at home.

The mayor's spokesperson said that "threatening sentiment" being stirred up by lobbying groups like the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance was problematic and needed to stop.

Josh van Veen from the Alliance said the idea that ratepayer groups calling out the mayor for his record rates hike, and behaviour at council meetings, was somehow provoking violence was "bizarre".