Auckland's eight outgoing councils are going through their final farewells as the city gets ready for the new super city structure.
Seven city and district councils, along with the Auckland Regional Council, go out of existence on November 1 when the local government functions are handed to the new Auckland Council.
Postal ballots for elections for the 20 new councillors and the local boards which will handle some local functions have been sent out. Counting begins when voting closes on October 9, and results are expected to be confirmed from October 14-20.
The new structure is aimed at producing efficiencies and greater coherence in regionwide decision-making, though polls have shown large numbers of Aucklanders are still less than confident they will get improved local government.
The eight current councils are currently in the process of holding through their final meetings.
Auckland City Council held its final meeting yesterday, with several councillors who are not standing for the new council making valedictory speeches.
Mayor John Banks, who is seeking the mayoralty of the new council, thanked all councillors and council staff for their service.
"We stand on the brink of history," he said.
"There's three things in life I think are important: first faith, second health and third family, and you all have those. Best wishes to everyone and thank you for tolerating the 39th Mayor of this city."
Franklin District Council also held its final meeting yesterday, while North Shore City Council had its final meeting on Wednesday.
Manukau City Council, whose Mayor Len Brown is the other major super city mayoral candidate, has its final meeting on September 30. Auckland Regional Council, Papakura District Council, Rodney District Council and Waitakere City Council also hold their final meetings next week.
NZPA