Plaudits heaped on Len Brown

Mayor Len Brown acknowledges with flowers retiring councillor Anne Candy's years of service. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Manukau City Mayor Len Brown was praised over and over again last night as the city's council officially met for the last time.

About 100 people - many from the wider Manukau community - packed into the council chamber to be part of the last meeting.

Dozens of people had to be seated in another room, where a live video stream was shown on a screen.

Among those attending last night were former councillors and leaders, including previous mayor Sir Barry Curtis and his wife, Anne, former chief executive Colin Dale and council staff.

All councillors were given the opportunity to speak, and their reflections went on for a little over two hours.

A number referred to the debate between Mr Brown and Auckland City Mayor John Banks on TV One's Close Up programme the previous night.

On the show, Mr Banks said that if elected mayor, he would not offer Mr Brown a leadership role in the Super City council because "we don't want South Auckland replicated across the rest of Auckland - his city is a social disaster".

Otara ward councillor Arthur Anae - like Mr Banks, a former National Party MP - encouraged Mr Brown to maintain his leadership style.

"Len, this is a multicultural city and you are the man to lead it," Mr Anae said.

"Last night, we heard what the other man had to say and we don't want to hear it. Our prayers are with you, bro. God bless."

Olympic gold medallist Sir John Walker - who launched the Field of Dreams initiative to get more youngsters involved in sport - was more fiery when defending the Manukau community.

"We're proud, we're tough," Sir John said fiercely.

"There are many champs that have come out of South Auckland ... If you don't embrace the cultures and the people, you'll have a city of kids misbehaving."

Other councillors acknowledged the struggle Mr Brown had gone through after suffering a heart attack at the Pacific Music Awards in May 2008.

The last to speak, Mr Brown calmly stood up as all eyes and ears turned towards him.

"This has been a night of reflection and passion. It's been outstanding," he said.

Looking down at his mayoral chains and cupping the medallion in his hands, he said he had been asked if he would be making any symbolic gestures in the removal of his chains and robes.

"In terms of the chains and the gown - it is to stay on."

He revealed there would be a separate event where he would formally remove his chains and robes, signalling the end of his reign as Manukau City mayor.

Mr Brown spoke for just over two minutes, before asking a kaumatua to finish the night with a prayer.

Everyone stood to sing How Great Thou Art in Maori, with Mr Brown - known as the singing mayor - singing heartily, but looking down occasionally as his eyes filled with tears.