Len Brown
Auckland Mayor Len Brown has stepped into what is arguably the second toughest job in New Zealand (behind John Key, not Graham Henry!). After being the popular mayor of Manukau he was elected to lead the new "Super City" late last year, taking office in November. During his first seven months in the big chair Len has been an energetic mayor. Leaders on this side of the bridge have also been impressed with how much time he has spent on the Shore engaging with a wide cross-section of business and community groups. His 'Mayor in the Chair' initiatives have also been an excellent way to improve communication. Channel Magazine's Aidan Bennett put some questions to him about his first period in the job in mid-May.
Len Brown: Unlocking Auckland's full potential
Aidan Bennett: After 8-9 months in office how would you describe the job of being Mayor of Auckland?
Len Brown: My job is to lead Auckland to reach its full potential and become the world’s most liveable city. That means speaking for all 1.4 million of us, getting things done and achieving tangible results which will benefit all Aucklanders, like the Auckland Rail Link and the next harbour crossing.
It is also about being your local Mayor. The volume of event invitations I get is phenomenal, but it’s important to me to get out into different communities as much as I can to talk to locals about their hopes and concerns and to support local projects.
I always knew it was going to be a huge job, but it’s far bigger than I ever imagined. I wouldn’t change it for anything though – I love Auckland, I love meeting people in different communities and walks of life every day, and I’m determined to make a real difference.
AB: You seem to have a great deal of energy for the job. Where does all the energy come from?
LB: I have an immense passion for Auckland and its people. I have the support of my family and a great team behind me. And I have a firm belief that a few key projects could transform Auckland for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.
AB: There is quite a bit of noise around the funding for the new local boards. When will this all be in place?
LB: The Auckland Council will set its budget for the coming year at the end of June. This includes local board funding, taking into account the local board agreements which were written by the boards and consulted on with the public in March. Once the funding is allocated, it’s up to local boards to decide how it is used in their local areas.
AB: For people on the North Shore there is obviously a real concern that the Super City will result in money being taken out of our area and less coming back. What assurances will ratepayers have that their rates are being spent in their area?
LB: I believe in everyone being treated fairly, and everyone receiving their fair share. An amalgamated city allows us to plan and fund transformational projects, like the next harbour crossing, as a single entity. At the same time, strong local identities are critical to building great, resilient cities. It’s the many villages of Auckland that make this place unique and so special. So it’s important we maintain those local communities and their facilities.
AB: What examples of efficiency gains are you seeing as a result of the
new Council and management structures?
LB: Auckland Council inherited a proposed rate increase of 9.2 per cent, and I am committed to getting that down to 4.9 per cent. To do that, we are scouring the organisations for savings and cost efficiencies. We’re finding these in areas like procuring goods and services; avoiding and eliminating duplication; changing the way we work to be more effective and efficient at the same time; streamlining
our process; and checking that we are utilising assets, like IT systems, to the greatest effect.
AB: Do you have open lines of communication with the local MP’s and
feel like they on the same page?
LB: Absolutely. We are united by our desire to do our best for Auckland and
its residents.
AB: And the PM?
LB: Again, absolutely. We have regular catch-ups in which we have a very open dialogue about Auckland. The Christchurch Earthquake has made it more important than ever for Auckland to strengthen itself as the nation’s economic powerhouse. Auckland is home to a third of the population and generates a third of the nation’s GDP. I want to increase that to half. That is why major transport projects like the Auckland Rail Tunnel are so important. We have to get Auckland moving for the sake of business. If Auckland is strong, it benefits the rest of the country.
AB: Are we well prepared as a city to host the RWC?
LB: Yes, we are. We are working closely with Auckland businesses to make sure they can take advantage of both the visitors to Auckland and the international business contacts they can forge. Our kids are on board with the RWC 2011 schools programme. Communities are adopting second teams to extend a warm welcome to international players and visitors. This is an unmissable opportunity, and it’s up to all of us to take responsibility to show the best Auckland can offer, whether it’s fabulous service from our restaurants and shops, tidy gardens and streets in our communities, or friendly smiles and welcomes as individuals.
AB: What do you see as the issues facing the North Shore over the next
2-3 years?
LB: I think we need to take a good look at transport on the North Shore, from a new harbour crossing, to continuing to improve public transport services including integrated ticketing, to upgrades of major arterial routes.
Natural and built heritage is important be it improving and protecting beach water quality and building on the hard-won gains of Project CARE or celebrating and protecting the lovely heritage buildings around areas like Northcote and Devonport.
We need to transform the Auckland economy into a productive, high-value model, and the North Shore is a leader in this area – we need to foster and encourage that. Already the North Shore is strong in ICT, for example, with its high-value, high quality jobs and low eco footprint.
To paint the full picture of Mayor Len Brown I finished the Q&A interview by asking him about his favourites...
AB: The best book you've read lately?
LB: Logan Campbell’s Auckland: Tales from the Early Years by RCJ Stone. It has great anecdotes about Logan Campbell’s early years, his relationship with Maori and with his partner William Brown. There are stories about the Albert barracks, the sinking of the HMS Orpheus. It’s a really interesting compendium of stories about Auckland’s early years.
AB: Movie you've seen?
LB: Crazy Heart. It’s a grainy, gritty, real life movie, and Jeff Bridges has always been one of my favourite actors.
AB: What do you love to eat?
LB: A good, fresh seafood salad. And something which I haven’t had for years, but I remembered how much I enjoyed it when I saw it cooked on Masterchef the other day – Beef Wellington. For dessert, you just can’t beat a bread and butter pudding.
AB: Favourite Drink?
LB: I enjoy a really good whiskey, but with my long days and all events I attend, sparkling water is what you’ll find me drinking most of the time.
AB: Favourite Holiday Destination in NZ?
LB: Waiheke Island.
AB: Favourite Holiday Destination Overseas?
LB: I haven’t been to many, but if I had a choice it would be Italy. Closer to home, anywhere in the Pacific.
AB: Favourite Sports Team?
LB: Tough choice with all the great teams we have in Auckland, but I’d have to say the All Blacks.
AB: Complete this: When I'm not being the mayor I love to...
LB: ... chill out with my family.
Doing what I love doing
