City Vision Media Release
Friday, 18 June 2010
City Vision is pleased to endorse Mike Lee, Chair of the Auckland Regional Council, as our Council Candidate for the Waitemata & Gulf ward of the new Auckland Council.
City Vision Chair Robert Gallagher says “Mike Lee has over 15 years of public service as an elected councillor. During his time at the ARC, and particularly through the last six years as Chairman, Mike has demonstrated strong regional leadership and his governance and management experience will be an invaluable asset to the new ‘Supercity’ structure. His personal commitment to public ownership of key Auckland assets, public transport and regional parks has established a solid base to carry the new Council forward.”
Mike Lee is delighted to be endorsed by City Vision and pledges his support to their team standing for the Waitemata Local Board. He will work closely with them. “I have the vision and community connections to work with the entire mainland ward, from Westmere, to Parnell. Despite the differing political histories of the areas each side of the CBD the communities have a lot in common. The waterfront and commercial centres have special needs and I am keen to talk to the key people involved.
“My connections with the Gulf Island communities and environments are well known and I am looking forward to working for them. I respect their proud independence but also know that they can benefit from the regional cohesion of the Supercity.
“As current Chair of the ARC, I am standing on my record – and the record is still playing.
We have begun the Waterfront development plan that will open up a wonderful public space that gives the people of the Waitemata & Gulf Ward a waterfront that they and all people in the region can be proud of. My view on the value of public service is well known, and I intend to continue to work for regional cohesion and vision in the new Council, and ensure that we restore local community government and community solidarity with empowered local boards.”
Robert Gallagher says “At a time of great change in the nature power and form of local government in Auckland, Mike Lee’s experience is essential to ensure the Waitemata & Gulf Ward residents are strongly represented in the new city. City Vision has a vigorous campaign planned to ensure that Mike Lee is elected to the Auckland Council as councillor for the Waitemata & Gulf ward.”
Additional Information:
Mike Lee, Msc(Hons), Chairman, ARC. Former ship’s officer and passionate conservationist, Mike is a long-time Aucklander with a home on Waiheke Island. He was first elected as a councillor 1992 and has an extensive history of public service in Auckland city and region since then.