27 April 2002

ARC Chair Gwen Bull today welcomed the election of Mike Lee to fill the seat on the Auckland Regional Council left vacant by the death of Chair Phil Warren in February.

“Mike was an ARC councillor from 1998-2001 and we welcome his re-election,” says Cr Bull.

“Auckland is at an exciting stage of growth and development and the decisions we take now will shape the region for decades to come.

“The ARC is at the forefront of ensuring that regional initiatives work for all Aucklanders and take into account the present and future needs of the entire region, as well as ensuring that in catering for growth we also protect that which is most precious to Aucklanders: the coastline and the natural environment.

“We have a number of major projects which will take effect this year, including the implementation of the Regional Economic Development Strategy, the selection of a future rail operator and completing a tender for replacement commuter trains. Other highlights include collaboration with Auckland City to install “real time” electronic information boards at over 200 bus stops in the city, our environmental education campaign, and The Big Clean Up, and we also need to provide for the introduction of direct rating. We will also be developing and opening the newest of our regional parks at Scandrett Bay in Rodney.

“I look forward to working again with Councillor Lee and to having his perspective and input on these and the many other issues the ARC deals with.”
Mike Lee will be sworn in as an ARC councillor at a special Council meeting at 9.30am on May 7. He will join Michael Barnett, Judith Bassett and Catherine Harland as representatives of the Auckland City constituency, and will sit as a member on all the ARC’s Standing Committees.

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