Auckland Mayor Phil Goff's been fighting to help unclog Auckland's roads, and he's now been photographed on horseback after a police parade - could it be a sign of a new traffic policy on the hoof?
Mr Goff attended the Counties Manukau Pay Parade in Howick in March, and a photo of him riding a police horse has just been published in the latest edition of police magazine Ten One.
The accompanying article says Mr Goff, an experienced rider, noticed the horses while inspecting the parade with Commissioner Mike Bush.
He asked if he could ride one once the parade and formalities were over.
The resulting photograph shows Mr Goff, still in his mayoral chains, sitting atop 21-year-old chestnut gelding Jay as rider Constable Sandra Dacey looks on.
Fair to say it was considerably less horsepower than the motorcycling mayor is used to.
But Const Daley recalled Mr Goff saying he like her horse.
"He said he used to have one the same colour."
The tradition of the Pay Parade goes back to the days when officers had to march to the local magistrate's office each fortnight in their dress uniform. They needed to pass inspection before getting their pay.
"Although those days are obviously long gone, the annual Pay Parade and Awards Ceremony remains an important tradition for Counties Manukau Police," District Commander Superintendent John Tims said at the time.
It wasn't Jay and Const Daley's first time in a parade - they've both represented police in Pride parades and on other occasions too.
Mr Goff has been contacted for comment.
Newshub.
