Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says she'll stick to her priorities - even as central Government intervenes. 

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has appointed a Crown Observer to help council develop its Long Term Plan. 

Spending cuts are needed since the council's U-turn on selling its airport shares. 

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Tory has taken this well - but this intervention will come at a cost to Wellington ratepayers. 

LISTEN ABOVE