But he said if Auckland opts out it could throw the whole process into doubt. “I think that could embolden some of the other cities to pull out. It would then be a hard sell because the other mayors would say, 'Why is Auckland being treated differently?'” The Botany MP said he’s concerned Auckland will end up worse off under the changes. “Under the Government’s proposal, councils that have managed their assets in an efficient way will end up subsidising those that haven’t,” he said. And he remains concerned Nanaia Mahuta is looking at making the changes mandatory to ensure they go ahead.