Amid the flurry of email traffic and spin flying around the newsroom this afternoon, Private Bin's secret wish almost came true.

"I am the Mayor for Great Barrier Island," proclaimed John Banks.

At first, Private Bin thought he might be moving there, permanently. But alas, he was not campaigning for the island's autonomy, rather chiming in on the Government's plans to allow mining in SOME conservation areas.

Great Barrier, to be specific.

The Auckland City Mayor said he was "shocked" to learn the 705 hectare Te Ahumata Plateau was included in the Government's proposal.

Where had he been for the last week, Private Bin wondered?
 
“I am the Mayor for Great Barrier Island and I am completely opposed to any mining on this island. It is the untouched jewel in the crown of the Hauraki Maritime Park," he said.
 
“The suggestion that Great Barrier Island be removed from Schedule 4 protection is unacceptable.”
 
Private Bin might agree with Mayor Banks about mining having an impact on the island's image of wilderness and its potential effect on tourism.

The image of Mayor Banks attaching himself to a tree in the face of a bulldozer would be entertaining, whether or not he becomes Mayor of the Super City.