Local Government Minister Rodney Hide has congratulated Len Brown on becoming the first elected Mayor of the new Auckland Super City Council."Mr Brown ran a very successful campaign and this was reflected in the polls today. I wish him all the best i
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide has congratulated Len Brown on becoming the first elected Mayor of the new Auckland Super City Council.
"Mr Brown ran a very successful campaign and this was reflected in the polls today. I wish him all the best in his new role, and look forward to working with him to ensure that Aucklanders get the best from their new council," Mr Hide said.
The new super city will be led by the 53-year-old after he beat sitting Auckland mayor John Banks, 63, by a substantial majority.
After 95 percent of the votes were counted, Mr Brown had 221,000 votes compared with 161,000 for Mr Banks.
Businessman Colin Craig was in third place with 40,483 votes.
Mr Brown will lead the new super city when it comes into force next month. It replaces eight councils in Auckland.
In an acceptance speech at a conference centre on One Tree Hill today before the official results had been released, Mr Brown said it had been a tough and torrid campaign.
"John and I have given it our very best shot and have covered off all the concerns people could have about how we might and should and could go forward."
He thanked his family and supporters but he also thanked Mr Banks for the call to congratulate him on his victory.
Mr Banks congratulated his opponent as he conceded defeat for the role.
"He has my total support in this great challenge in uniting the city of Auckland," he told a press conference in Auckland today.
Meanwhile, Mr Hide said the Auckland Governance reforms had generated an unprecedented level of public awareness of local government elections nationwide.
"Preliminary election results are being released throughout the country and the initial indications of voter participation show an overall increase in votes cast compared to 2004 and 2007. It's great to see a big boost in interest in Local Government."
Mr Hide also congratulated incumbent Christchurch mayor Bob Parker for holding onto his seat following the massive earthquake that damaged much of the city over a month ago.
"This is a fantastic result considering the difficult period Christchurch has been through and I would like to congratulate Mayor Bob Parker on his election for another term.
"Votes are still being counted throughout the country and not all results are in; however, I would like to congratulate all those who have been successfully elected, or re-elected."
