Last night during his speech to open the Pacific Music Awards at Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, Manukau Mayor Len Brown, collapsed without warning.

Several nurses in the audience came forward immediately and administered CPR until a St John’s ambulance arrived not too long thereafter.

Mayoress Shan accompanied her husband on St John’s ambulance to Middlemore Hospital. Later the Mayor was moved to Auckland Hospital where he is in the intensive care unit and only relatives can visit him at this time.

Doctors have described his condition as critical but stable and we are all encouraged by the caring, professional, and positive attitude of all hospital staff in Middlemore & Auckland. We are also encouraged in the knowledge that HWM Len Brown is a fighter.

Deputy Mayor Gary Troup is Acting Mayor of Manukau City. All media requests will be facilitated by the Manukau City Council Communications Unit through Donna Baker 027 226 7698 and Michael Otto 0272169487.

I personally acknowledge that the media has a duty to perform in reporting on these events, however, I am nevertheless appealing to all media organizations & individuals to please respect the privacy of Len Brown’s family and to please be sensitive in your reporting as Mayor Len Brown has very young children whose welfare & wellbeing is of paramount concern to everyone.

Mayoress Shan conveys her sincere appreciation to everyone for the messages of love and support that her family have received.

Ends.

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