Auckland councillors are divided over whether a serial rates-dodger should be banned from speaking at council meetings.

The council is taking legal action against activist Penny Bright over $34,000 in unpaid rates.

Ms Bright is also in court today, continuing her legal action against Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town.

Councillor George Wood has asked deputy mayor Penny Hulse to refuse speaking rights to activist Penny Bright.

He says her conduct at previous meetings has been unacceptable, and speaking rights is a privilege she does not deserve.

But councillor Dick Quax is supporting her speaking rights, saying democracy is based around citizen participation.

The council recently changed its standing orders, making it easier for committee chairs to deny speaking rights and keep speakers on topic.