"Citizens and Ratepayers Now Elect New Council Leader"

The Chairman of the joint venture between Citizens and Ratepayers and Auckland Now, John Slater announced today that the caucus had elected a new leader for their city council and community board team.

"Successful council candidates met this afternoon and unanimously appointed Scott Milne, sitting councillor for Hobson to the leadership. He takes over from former Deputy Mayor David Hay who resigned from the council and was successful in his bid to be elected to the Auckland Regional Council", said Mr Slater.

Scott Milne has had a high profile in the last term of Council as Chairman of the Recreation and Events committee, the Arena Working Party and the Waterfront Working Party.

"C&R Now accepts the results of the election and extends congratulations to the Mayor and Councillors.We undertake to work constructively and professionally for Auckland's future and look forward to discussing the operation of the new Mayor's inclusive management style over the next few days,' said Mr Milne. "We have an experienced team and continuity will be important to ensure that Auckland maintains its' momentum".

In a strong shift to the left, centre and right C&R Now was disappointed in the loss of highly regarded Transport Chairman Greg McKeown and Strategy and Governance Chairman Mark Donnelly - both unsuccessful in the Eden-Albert ward. "Both councillors have made a major contribution to their ward and the City of Auckland," said Mr Milne.

"Aucklanders have spoken through the ballot box and this has implications for such things as addressing Auckland's gridlock problem and for rates. This will be a very different council and there will be considerable changes, but as a team we are committed to ensuring Auckland progresses and continues to remain the economic powerhouse of the country and a fabulous place to live," Mr Milne added.

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