KEY POINTS:
It's back to business - but at a steady pace for now - for Manukau City Mayor Len Brown, who has been recuperating after a heart attack.
Mr Brown, collapsed while giving the opening address at the Pacific Music Awards on May 31.
After undergoing two operations, Mr Brown was back at the office yesterday.
He said he was feeling "fabulous" and ready to continue his journey as Manukau City mayor.
"It feels great. You spend a lot of time staring at the ceiling when you're in intensive care. It's a very personal journey. I was hugely fortunate to have the support of my family with me."
The former lawyer, elected mayor last October, will initially work reduced hours - about five hours a day - but will eventually return to his his full mayoral duties.
Mr Brown said being away for four months had been challenging at times, and he credited his swift recovery to the support of his family, the community and sheer determination.
"I'm enthusiastic but I'm not foolish. I've been given clear instructions from my wife and colleagues.
"I've no instructions from the doctors. Their reaction is that it's just miraculous. I think that has a lot to do with your spirit. Yep, I'm back."
His wife, Shan Inglis, said seeing her husband going back to work was a little strange, but she acknowledged that it was only fitting. "As he left I thought he was immensely proud to be going back."
Ms Inglis said having her husband go through such an ordeal had been a traumatic experience, but was an important reminder.
"Sometimes we take that love and that closeness and seeing each other at the end of the day - we take that for granted. As a family, our three daughters and I just feel so blessed that he's still here.
"For Len, I think it's the best part of his rehabilitation. For me, I think it's time for him to continue his journey."
Mr Brown said his main priorities now included stamping out the drugs scene in the area and creating community pride.
"We have to focus on getting rid of the drugs and the P houses."
He said he was stunned by the great love and support shown to him by the community and thanked councillors Gary Troup and Arthur Anae for stepping in as acting mayors.
"I was never on the sidelines," he said. "My heart, my soul and spirit was in it. When your heart and soul and spirit are in the place, then you're never away."
