AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

14 August 2007

Elder statesman of Auckland retires

Mayor of Auckland City Dick Hubbard says that the departure of Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis leaves big shoes to fill.

“Sir Barry has been the face of Manukau,“ Mayor Hubbard says. “He took the city from a fledgling infant and has grown it into the lively, vibrant and mature city it is today.”

Mayor Hubbard says his legacy goes beyond the boundaries of Manukau. He has made a huge contribution to regional issues.

“I’ve particularly appreciated his support for a governance overhaul of our region. He and I have been of a single mind on the call for a comprehensive review of Auckland’s regional structure. We have succeeded in doing that.”

“Sir Barry is a man of passion, determination and drive,” he says. “He is widely regarded as the elder statesman of Auckland.”

ENDS