Sir Barry returns to hustings - at 71

Sir Barry Curtis. Photo / Kenny Rodger

The return of former Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis to the hustings is the biggest surprise in the list of more than 500 nominations for the new Auckland Council.

Sir Barry, 71, who retired in 2007 after 24 years as mayor, is one of six people seeking election to the two council seats representing Manurewa-Papakura Ward.

Olympian Sir John Walker is also standing for the ward.

Yesterday, Sir Barry said he was "fit as a fiddle" and ready to stop the region's power base shifting to the Auckland central business district.

"I'm concerned about the social and economic impact on the community of Manurewa."

He was also offering his experience as a regional leader in planning, growth and transport matters during his 39 years in local government.

"I found it very hard to let go after being Mayor of Manukau for 24 years."

He kept busy as a member of the boards of Quotable Value NZ and NZ Food Innovation Manukau, in addition to being president of Auckland Football Federation and patron of several other sporting organisations.

When nominations closed yesterday, 542 were received for 170 vacancies on the new council - 23 for Mayor of Auckland, 100 for the council and 419 for its local boards.

Auckland Council electoral officer Dale Ofsoske said the numbers were greater than expected.

Postal voting packs will go out about the middle of next month.

Ten existing or former mayors and five MPs are seeking the Super City mayoralty or a seat on the Auckland Council or a local board.

* aucklandcouncil.govt.nz