Self-described “Mr Fix-It”, Wayne Brown, gets to serve a second term as Mayor of Auckland Council. Photo supplied Nigel King
By Phil Taylor, Eastern Times
Incumbent Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown, has been re-elected as the leader of the country’s largest city.
In today’s Election Day Progress Result, Brown has secured a second term with 146,642 votes.
Kerrin Leoni has finished as the second-highest polling candidate with 56,612 ballots.
Following the provisional declaration of results, mayor-elect Wayne Brown says he grateful to the people of Auckland for their decisive support and for giving him a clear mandate to “Fix Auckland”.
“The voters have spoken, and their message is clear: it’s time to get back to work and deliver more results,” Brown says.
“I’m truly humbled by the trust Aucklanders have placed in me.
“This was a campaign about commonsense, fiscal prudence, and a relentless focus on the issues that matter to everyone who calls this city home.”
Brown has confirmed today Saturday, his choice of councillor Desley Simpson as his Deputy Mayor.
“I want to extend my warmest congratulations to councillor Desley Simpson on being elected unopposed in the Ōrākei ward.
“Her unopposed re-election is a powerful testament to her deep commitment to her community and effectiveness as a local representative,” says the mayor-elect.
“Her experience, broad skillset and hard work at council are widely admired.”
Simpson says: “Together, we will continue to be a strong, united team working across the council table, focused on the task ahead.
“Mayor Brown’s leadership was transformational in the last term. I look forward to our work in the next three years as we embed that change and deliver better performance for Auckland.”
Brown says, “My congratulations go out to all the successful ward candidates who put in the hard yards and earned the support of their communities.
“I look forward to working constructively with every single councillor, both new and returning, to deliver for Auckland.
“Running for office requires immense effort and personal sacrifice. I thank them for their engagement in the campaign and for their passion for making Auckland a better place.
“A vigorous debate of ideas is essential for our city’s future,” Brown says.
“The election is over. Now, we come together to govern for all of Auckland.
“My promise is to lead a council that listens, that acts decisively, and that never forgets it works for the people. Let’s get on with it.”
Auckland Mayoralty election Progress Result, on Saturday, October 11:
1 – Wayne Brown (Fix Auckland) 146,642 votes
2 – Kerrin Leoni 56,612
3 – Ted Johnstone (Independent) 21,661
4 – Simon Stam (Independent) 10,495
5 – John Alcock 9042
6 – Eric Chuah 5938
7 – Michael Coote (Independent) 5524
8 – Rob McNeil (Animal Justice Party Aotearoa NZ) 5259
