Auckland Mayor Len Brown is promising to take Maori interests into account in the development of an underground rail loop in the central city.
Mr Brown says the concern raised by the Ngati Whatua representative on the Maori Statutory Board that the tunnel could upset the taniwha in the submerged Wai Horotiu stream was a minor hiccup, and mana whenua iwi will be part of the planning process.
''I have a pretty good understanding of Maoritanga and I will certainly be listening to the views,'' he told Waatea News.
''At the same time we have a major job (to do) and we will be full steam ahead on determining the route.''
