Len Brown has an inclusive approach to leadership, says Donna McIntyre.
Describe your job.
I am Mayor of Manukau City which, with more than 325,000 people, is New Zealand's fastest-growing city.
I lead the council, working with councillors, businesses and all the community to build the local economy, improve the city and make Manukau a great place to live and do business in.
A major focus for me is attracting businesses to the city to create jobs. I also see my role as building up the arts, music and culture to create pride in our place, delivering transport infrastructure to get the city moving and championing a more sustainable and healthy environment.
What is your background?
I grew up in Auckland and studied law at Auckland University. I was the partner of a successful law firm and established its Howick office, focusing on commercial law.
In 1992 I became a city councillor before becoming Mayor in 2007. I have also been chairman of the Counties Manukau Health Council and was a founder of the Howick Free Legal Service and the Greenmount East Tamaki Business Association.
Why did you move from law to politics?
I wanted to contribute to my community. My strength lies in bringing businesses and communities together to get things done. Our city faces significant economic, social and environmental challenges and I want to make a difference.
Why is the job important?
It's important to provide strong leadership to make sure things happen and bring the community with you. The mayor must ensure the council is working to create jobs, provide quality services, develop better public transport and roads, while keeping rates affordable.
The job's main challenges?
I see four main challenges. First, I work closely with Manukau council and businesses to make sure we operate as a team to create jobs and prosperity. Second, it's important to keep costs down. We've been able to keep rate increases close to the rate of inflation and I want to do the same with the new Auckland council.
Third, there are many ethnic backgrounds in the Auckland region - it's important to bring many different people together.
Finally, I am a champion for my city and for the whole region and I'm keen to see Aucklanders proud of living in a great city with opportunities for everyone.
You are contesting the mayoralty for the Supercity. How will this change the way you work if you are successful?
It will be immensely busy but it would be an honour to serve a region of more than 1.3 million people.
I'm used to working 16-hour days, so that will continue. The main change will be that the challenges I face as Manukau Mayor will be much bigger in scale.
What will you do if you are not successful?
I don't have a plan B. I love spending time in the garden, which has been much neglected while I've been on the campaign trail. I'd probably spend a bit more time there.
How do you achieve a work/life/family balance? Especially taking into account the heart condition that affected you in May 2008.
In the past two years I have gained a new lease on life. My undiagnosed congenital heart problem has now been fixed and it has changed the way I see the world. I'm as fit as when I played First XV rugby at high school. I go to the gym and eat healthier food.
Being a mayor easily takes up 70-plus hours every week, but I always make time for my wife and three daughters. It's important to maintain balance in one's life.
Who do you talk things through with during the course of your day?
My wife Shan is my closest confidante - she is the strongest person I know. She understands most issues facing our region and I regularly talk these over with her.
The best part of your job?
Being able to make positive change for the whole community. Whether that is overseeing the first extension to Auckland's rail system in 80 years or working with police to deliver safer streets, it's great to help create success.
And the worst part?
Negativity and obstruction. For too long our region has been held back by divisive leadership and partisan politics. We need to end that.
What are your strengths?
I am a people person and can work with people from different backgrounds.
What do you want to be doing in five years?
I want to have been re-elected for my second term as Mayor of Auckland and be making progress on the inner-city underground rail loop and airport rail extension. I will be focused on making sure the Supercity changes are working for all communities.
Advice to those interested in a similar career path?
Get as much experience as possible and learn how to work with a diverse range of people, from across the political and economic spectrums.
Some people are uniters, some are dividers. The key to success is to be able to bring together people to achieve positive outcomes for all.
My Job
* Name: Len Brown.
* Occupation: Mayor.
* Employer: The people of Manukau.
* Age: 54.
* Working hours: 70+
* Salary: $162,193
Qualifications: LLB/BA.
