Media Release- Tuesday 14 August 2007

From Leigh Auton, CEO Manukau City Council

Tribute to Sir Barry Curtis standing down after 40 years in local government

There would be no person who has made a greater contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Manukau city than Sir Barry Curtis, CEO of Manukau City Council Leigh Auton says.

Mr Auton says he accepts the decision of Sir Barry to not contest the Manukau Mayoralty, or any other local authority office, in the October 2007 local authority elections, but says Sir Barry will be greatly missed.

"Sir Barry has made a stunning contribution to the growth and development of Manukau, indeed the Auckland Region, for some 40 years," Mr Auton says. "He leaves a rich legacy in terms of the city and the council organisation."

New Zealand's longest serving mayor - he was elected to the Manukau office in 1983 - Sir Barry first joined Manukau City Council in 1968. In 1971 he was also elected as a member of the Auckland Regional Council and was re-elected four times before being elected mayor.

"Sir Barry has led Manukau through a period of phenomenal growth," Mr Auton says. "For some time Manukau has been New Zealand's fastest growing city and that has placed tremendous demands on the city's infrastructure and social development. Much of what has been achieved can be attributed to Sir Barry's work and dedication."
Mr Auton says a hallmark of Sir Barry's service has been his inclusive approach and his appreciation of the need for community development and social justice alongside economic development.

"Manukau city is one of the most ethnically diverse communities in New Zealand and Sir Barry has always worked hard to ensure all citizens are able to access council and participate in the democratic process.

"His leadership on Maori issues; the way he has encouraged mana whenua involvement with council and developed the council's official response to Treaty of Waitangi issues, has set this council at the forefront of local authority/Maori relationships, an example which others have sought to copy."

Mr Auton notes that Sir Barry's commitment to the diverse communities of Manukau has also seen him acknowledged with a Samoan Matai title in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the areas of welfare and culture of Samoan and other Pacific peoples in Manukau.

"Sir Barry has had a great knack for bringing people together. He has pursued the best interests of the city with a vigour few can match. He leaves a fine legacy in terms of community amenities, infrastructure and the systems that are in place to ensure that Manukau will experience sustainable growth economically, socially and environmentally into the future.
"I wish him well and extend him my very best wishes, and those of the council organisation."

ENDS

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