KEY POINTS:
Andrew Williams vowed to work for "a much tighter ship and getting best value and service for ratepayers" when he donned the mayoral chains of North Shore City last night.
The 48-year-old, whose defeat of three-term mayor George Wood was a surprise, reassured his supporters that he would
fight against a proposed commercial airport at Whenuapai and unreasonable rates hikes.
He paid tribute to Mr Wood, saying the face of the country's fourth largest city was very much different today to when he took office nine years ago.
Tackling important issues, such as sewage overflows on to beaches, roading improvements and a $300 million Northern Busway, to open in February, were among highlights of that period, said Mr Williams.
However, the three years ahead would be just as challenging, he said.
"We received a clear message from the community that the level of rates increases was unsustainable, that we needed to spend the money that we did collect wisely, and that we needed to listen to our community and realise that we are here to represent the electorate, not our own views."
Mr William's supported the election of Julia Parfitt as his deputy, ahead of Dianne Hale, who was deputy mayor during Mr Wood's terms.
Last night's ceremony saw the swearing in of eight councillors who regained their seats and seven new councillors. They include retiring MP Ann Hartley, who was the city's first mayor, and former MP Grant Gillon.
Mr Williams has been active in local body politics for seven years and worked as an international trade executive and in an honorary role as vice-consul of Belgium.
Yesterday morning he joined Transport Minister Annette King for an inspection of the Harbour Bridge. Although he accepted the assurances of the minister and officials that the bridge was safe, he said the on-site visit confirmed in his mind that the time had come for immediate action on an additional harbour crossing, preferably a tunnel that could carry rail passenger transport.
Also yesterday, new Rodney Mayor Penny Webster received the mayoral chains at a ceremony in Orewa.
Seven out of the 12 councillors sworn in are new to the job and Mrs Webster took the unusual step of nominating a first-time councillor, John Kirikiri, as deputy mayor.
Rodney District has one of the country's fastest growth rates and its council struggles to provide modern infrastructure and amenities on a limited, largely rural, rating base. It is vulnerable to being swallowed by a super city in any redrawing of local government boundaries.
Mrs Webster said there would be big changes in the region over the next three years and Rodney's interests must be protected in any merger of councils.
Mrs Webster also said she would work to build the council's relationship with other mayors and the Auckland Regional Council.
Relations with the ARC have been strained in recent years over growth issues, such as high-rise buildings in Orewa, coastal developments and pressure on the rural buffer between towns.
