There's a rift in Wellington City Council's left-wing bloc over selling its airport shares.

The council today voted to approve the long term plan, with nine in favour, and seven opposed.

It included selling the 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport, with discussions on the process later this year.

Mayor Tory Whanau copped criticism from fellow left-leaning councillors for supporting the sale.

Councillor Nikau Wi Neera says the transaction is wrong.

"It's throwing away one of the very few revenue streams we actually have at council that isn't just 'your rates', for example. Local Government is pretty constrained in ways to actually do stuff."

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