Auckland's mayor, Wayne Brown, accepted just two requests for an interview in the month after taking office.
He received 108 media requests, according to council data, half of which were interview requests which were flatly denied.
In other instances, the council says information or a statement was provided, while two direct interviews were accepted, one with Newstalk ZB and the other with 1News.
A spokesperson for Wayne Brown's office says the mayor's focus was on getting a clear grasp of the Council's performance and financial position, and that it required a "certain single mindedness".
Wayne Brown declined an interview with RNZ about his media strategy.
NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson was willing to be interviewed.
He spoke to Corin Dann.
