Far North mayor Wayne Brown says there is no conflict of interest between his mining business and his role as mayor.
Mr Brown is a director of Tai Tokerau Mining - a company he formed to bid in the tender round for mineral exploration in Northland.
His company's been offered mining permits over two areas, north of Kerikeri.
Mining opponents say there is a conflict because Mr Brown and his council have lobbied for mining, and might have to issue resource consents for any future mine.
Mr Brown says he formed the company to put his money where his mouth is.
He says he's not impressed by the Government's management of the minerals tender, as it sat on the bids for months, but has given the companies just five days to check all the conditions and accept.
