20 March 2006
Manukau City Manager’s Retirement Marks 50 Years Local Government Service
1 April 2006 will mark the end of an era for Manukau City Council, and the start of a new chapter in the city’s
management.
Colin Dale, who has served as Manukau’s City Manager for over 20 years, will retire
and Leigh Auton takes up the reigns as new CEO of Manukau City Council.
Mr Dale’s retirement marks the end of half a century of local government service dating back to 1956 in the United
Kingdom, where he was born.
Mr Dale emigrated to New Zealand in 1962 and joined Manukau City Council as a senior health officer in 1964. In 1979 he
was appointed community development manager, and five years later became the director of community services, before
becoming City Manager in 1985.
Mr Dale’s 50-year career in local government has delivered significant benefits to the people of Manukau and the
Auckland region. During his tenure as City Manager, Manukau’s population has grown from 180,000 to over 350,000. Over
this period he has led the development of a number of innovative strategies and projects that are pioneering in the New
Zealand context, for example Tomorrow’s Manukau, the strategic plan which guides the city’s development.
He has consistently demonstrated a strong focus on people and community development, and working in partnership across
the city with many organisations and businesses.
Mr Dale has held a number of leadership positions on regional forums including the former Hillary Commission Taskforce
for Sport, Fitness and Leisure and the Auckland Regional Migrant Services Charitable Trust.
Mayor Sir Barry Curtis, who has been in office since 1983, has had a working partnership with Mr Dale extending over 21
years. He says, “Colin has been an outstanding City Manager, and always been very sensitive to the social and economic
concerns of the city.”
Mr Dale believes his biggest achievement has been helping Manukau communities to meet their own aspirations and
participate more in decision making, and in expanding the city’s range of community facilities.
Asked what he will miss most about his position at Manukau City Council, Mr Dales says, “The busy interaction with our
talented staff and the tremendous people in the community.” However his retirement does not mark the end of any ties to
Manukau. Mr Dale has lived in Mangere Bridge for over 20 years and plans to remain active in local and city-wide events.
ENDS