Len Brown to run for Auckland mayor

Manukau Mayor Len Brown today announced his candidacy for the mayoralty of the new Auckland council at next year’s local body elections, saying the new Auckland council needs a unifying mayor to bring the region together.

“Auckland is undergoing significant change and for this change to work the region needs a leadership style which is inclusive and is focused on working with communities.

“I am committed to serving all the communities who make up our region. To reflect this, as mayor, I would ensure that the new council meets within all the existing council areas, because the council needs to unite the entire region.

“Auckland faces a massive challenge. There are some core policies and beliefs I would bring to the position:

* Completing the work to build fully integrated transport system linking our roads, rail, airports and shipping ports, with a significant upgrade of public transport.

* Supporting the business community through the development of high-speed broadband, better regulations, greater support for tourism and events, and a much greater focus on the export sector and business development.

* Public ownership of assets is crucial to our long-term economic growth. Maintaining our interests in the airport, port and water are crucial to developing those assets for the benefit of all of Auckland.

* Protecting and enhancing facilities such as libraries, pools and parks, and working towards, over time, extending the free entry to swimming pools and John Walker Field of Dreams policies which currently exist in Manukau across the city

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* Building on the significant work led by Waitakere, and picked up by the other cities. Sustainability must be central to the new city.

“I am expecting there to be vigorous competition and am announcing my candidacy now because of the tremendous interest in the formation of the new council. It comes after considerable encouragement from many community leaders Auckland-wide, as well as family and friends. There is genuine interest in a candidate with strong leadership experience who can draw support from across the entire region.

“It would be a privilege to serve and represent the people of Auckland as we look to unite this city. We need to turn Auckland into an economic powerhouse, but one which is the best place to raise a family, and which celebrates and promotes our diverse cultures and communities.”

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