Mayor pledges to build world's most liveable city

Len Brown promises that the people of Auckland will know why decisions are being made and how their money is spent. Photo / Richard Robinson

Len Brown set out last night to transform Auckland into the world's most liveable city after being sworn in as the first mayor of the Super City.

In a speech before 1200 guests in the Town Hall, Mr Brown outlined a vision for an inclusive and united Auckland with a strategy and map of action for the future.

He reiterated the vision and policies of his election campaign to fix the region's transport system, turn Auckland into an eco-city and be cautious on rates.

"I said I was determined to get Auckland moving, and by an overwhelming majority, the voters of Tamaki Makaurau said, 'Yes, do that', he said.

"There will be a cost. But we will do it. We are not going to postpone, again, this crucial work for a future generation to deal with."

A central-city rail loop, rail to the airport and rail to the North Shore are his three transport priorities.

The inaugural meeting of the Auckland Council was a ceremonial occasion that began with a powhiri by the iwi of Auckland, including a message from Dr Takutai Wikiriwhi, the Ratana minister at Orakei Marae: "The tui joins us in spirit, in mind and in body of a unified city."

Maurice Wilson, a Tainui kaumatua, presented Mr Brown with a taiaha (a long wooden weapon) as a koha, or gift.

There were also performances by Auckland City organist Dr John Wells and the New Zealand Graduate Choir and the premiere by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra of Fanfare for Auckland, composed by the APO's composer-in-residence, John Psathas.

The first formal business occurred when chief executive Doug McKay swore in Mr Brown as mayor.

After a 15-minute speech from Mr Brown, the 20 councillors were sworn in. They will make their maiden speeches today and tomorrow, after last night's inaugural meeting was adjourned.

Mr Brown, whose campaign slogan was to be a "mayor for all of Auckland", said he wanted a city of proud local communities, secure in their local identities and their place as part of a metropolitan powerhouse.

"We cannot be divided. We - the council, the local boards and the council-owned companies - must pull together for the common cause of creating a truly great city."

He spoke about the economic opportunities for Auckland, including a world-class convention centre, a modern cruise-ship terminal, Auckland being like San Francisco as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial activity and "our job to build on the assets we have, not sell them".

At a time when many people were experiencing economic hardship, Mr Brown said the last thing they needed was higher rates bills.

"We do not yet know what the full cost of this amalgamation has been and the bills your council faces as a result of it.

"I promise to open the books and make sure this council's finances are transparent, so the people of Auckland will know where the cost pressures are coming from, why decisions are being made and how their money is spent."

Looking ahead, Mr Brown said he would be rolling out 100 key uniting projects over the coming months, the first of which would be instructing the transport council-controlled organisation to get a designation for rail to the airport.

Wearing a Maori feather cloak - there are no mayoral robes or chains at this stage - Mr Brown finished by leading the singing for a waiata, Te Aroha.