Mixed feelings for councillors at ceremony

Penny Hulse. Photo / The Aucklander

The swearing-in ceremony of the new Auckland mayor and councillors was met with mixed emotions.

The 20 councillors of the new Auckland Council gathered in a side room in the Auckland Town Hall before the ceremony eagerly awaiting their swearing-in.

Deputy mayor Penny Hulse sighed when asked how she was feeling about the ceremony but said it was time the council got started.

She is the Waitakere ward councillor and had various roles in the former Waitakere City Council for more than 15 years.

"To be honest, it is mixed feelings. I'm still getting over the shift from Waitakere to Auckland but it's just an amazing experience tonight."

Franklin ward councillor Des Morrison said the ceremony marked one of the biggest moments in Auckland's history.

"This is the biggest thing that's happened since about 1887, isn't it? Since Auckland was first born."

He hoped he would be able to keep the identity of the rural areas of Auckland, but was realistic that change will happen.

"I think you've got to be realistic and there is going to be some growth, but we're looking to make sure it's staged and managed and compatible with the rural areas."

Richard Northey has been involved in politics for more than 25 years, but said his role as Maungakiekie-Tamaki ward councillor was his most exciting.

"It's probably the most exciting because we're creating something new. It's something new to New Zealand and in some ways it's something new to the world and I find that challenge really exciting."

Jami-Lee Ross, Howick ward councillor, is the youngest councillor at 24.

He said his new position was very different from his previous role as a Manukau City councillor. "It's a big step up from the Manukau City Council ... The stakes have risen considerably."

Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Calum Penrose, former Mayor of Papakura, previously objected to the formation of the Super City but now does not think Papakura will lose its identity.

"I think nothing will change at its heart. It will be things as usual, but it's going to be better. It's going to be great."