UPDATED 8.31AM: It's full steam ahead at Ports of Auckland with work continuing on a controversial wharf extension into Auckland's harbour.

LISTEN: Michael Goldwater - Port fight

Mike's Minute: Ports of Auckland

The port company has so far ignored a call from the Auckland Council to temporarily pause work at Bledisloe Wharf, with a spokesman saying it's business as usual.

Mayor Len Brown and Ports of Auckland say the council's request is still under consideration.

Mr Brown maintains that until a decision is made, some work will continue in line with contracts the port company has in place with construction companies.

The council's major investment arm, which made the strong suggestion to halt work, insists it's in regular communication with Ports of Auckland and won't comment further while discussions are ongoing.

Councillor Mike Lee says the continuation of work on two wharf extensions is becoming much more than an important environmental issue, and is now a question of who really owns the port.

"What the ports don't seem to understand is they are owned by a shareholder and they need to have responsibility and respect that shareholder."

Mike Lee says the ultimate boss of the Super City is the public, and if any shareholder-owned company behaves insubordinately, there has to be a reckoning.

"If they try and preempt that process that would be unforgivable, and I believe the board would need to be dismissed."

Stop Stealing Our Harbour spokesman Michael Goldwater believes the company isn't taking any notice, and it's a clear sign of the tail wagging the dog.

"The people who have the reins in their hands should actually stand up and man up and do something about it."

Councillor George Wood believes the company is in a difficult position as it considers the request and its contractual agreements have to be taken into account.

Mr Wood says with the matter now before the High Court, a legal decision won't be delivered until after the hearing in June.

"I do think that it needs some cool heads at the moment, we'll just have to hope that High Court decision doesn't take too long."