John Banks media conference notes

Media conference Notes: Hon John Banks QSO Mayoral office, Auckland Town Hall 3.00pm, Saturday 9 October 2004

I have spoken with Mr Hubbard and have given him my congratulations. It has been a great privilege to be the 38th mayor of this city.

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would be given this privilege to lead.

It has been a long and tough campaign.

For my team this was never a four-week effort. This has been four-years of hard work.

I have given this job 110% - I have given it my very best shot. It has been a huge commitment and I have always sought to represent Auckland's very diverse people fairly.

I have been humbled by the many messages of good will and support in recent weeks.

This election was always going to a vote between the centre-left and the centre-right.

Let's note forget that there are five electorates in Auckland City held by the Labour Party with huge majorities. Just two seats belong to National. When the centre-left got a candidate they could support, I knew it was going to be tough. I am proud to leave Auckland in much better shape than when I inherited it.

Auckland is well positioned. Auckland is on the map, Auckland is more competitive, and Auckland is heading for international greatness.

It has been a great team effort.

I pay tribute to my Deputy Mayor, David Hay, my Auckland Citizens and Ratepayers Now colleagues and the two independent councillors, Bill Christian and Geoff Abbott.

I thank the Chief Executive Bryan Taylor. We started off as colleagues and we leave as friends. We are very well served by the officers of Auckland City.

I pay tribute to my office staff. They have been incredibly hardworking and loyal. They have always been supportive of me and my political career.

My biggest supporters are my family. My wife Amanda and the children have always been understanding and supportive. For that I give public thanks.

To my campaign team - thank you for your hard work. It's been a huge and difficult undertaking but you've given it everything. Brian Nicolle is a talented campaign manager. His enormous efforts have not been forgotten and our friendship remains.

I love this city and its people and I have never made any apologies about being its number one cheerleader.

This is a land of opportunity and New Zealand has given me every opportunity.

This was my eleventh election for public office. It all started so long ago when I was first elected to the Birkenhead Borough Council.

All my adult life, I have had an overwhelming commitment to civic duty and to balance the family ledger.

I finish as I began, it has been a great privilege to lead and to serve.

I never dwell on my losses. I never look back. For me, it is upwards and onwards. Today a door has closed and tomorrow a new one will open.

The people of Auckland have spoken and I respect that.

I wish Mr Hubbard and his team of new and re-elected councillors all the very best as they serve the citizens of Auckland to the best of their abilities.

Ends

© Scoop Media

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