An Auckland councillor says the Government must give its approval for a new city rail link before more ratepayer funds are committed.
The proposed rail link will extend passenger services through Auckland's central business district.
The Government has said it wants to see more information about economic benefits and funding before it will contribute to the $2.86 billion project.
The Auckland Council wants the Government to contribute about $1.5 billion to the project.
Councillor Cameron Brewer says it is wrong for mayor Len Brown to press ahead without the Government's approval.
"At this stage, there's no agreement on the economic benefits of this project and there's no agreement on the funding solutions of this project.
"So before we commit the Auckland ratepayers to 10 years of financial pain, we really need to see the colour of the Government's money."
Mr Brewer also says he doubts the rail link can be completed by the target date of 2021.
But Auckland Council strategy and finance committee chairperson Penny Webster says the council contribution is necessary to push the project forward.
She says the council needs a solid business case to prove to Government it is committed to the rail link, because the people of Auckland have said they want it.
On Thursday, the council decided to bring forward $8 million worth of spending on the city rail link.
Mr Brown was not available for comment on Sunday, but has said the council and the Government have agreed on the strategic case for the project and the council is determined to get on with it.
