By Adam Ray
Councillors had good reason to be jovial before meeting Len Brown today, he's given them all extra responsibilities, portfolios and money.
“Some people have one role, some have two, some may have even more,” says Brown.
And for some, that can mean an extra $20,000 a year.
Like the Deputy mayor Penny Hulse, who will oversee the strategy and finance.
Former champion runner Sir John Walker becomes Auckland's roving Ambassador.
Everyone's a winner - Councillor Jami-Lee Ross tormented Mr Brown over his credit card spending but now heads a tenders panel. Mr Ross says it won't buy his loyalty.
“We are not being bought off. We will work constructively. But where there are issues we disagree on we will make that known,” says Mr Ross.
Mr Brown says he's not offering jobs just to get support.
“Everyone knows this is the style of leadership I displayed in Manukau,” says Mr Brown.
A political analyst says Mr Brown is being inclusive but it has risks.
“Could get difficult if politicians revert to type, which could happen on a number of key issues,” says David Wilson.
Mr Wilson says the Mayor's success depends on councillors acting together. One of his problems here is the council's makeup.
While five councillors are clearly on the right and another three left-leaning, the other 12 call themselves independent.
“There will be sticking points around issues. Probably funding first of all but they will be worked through,” says Cameron Brewer.
Mr Brown and his councillors will be sworn in at a ceremony on Monday. The inauguration will feature specially commissioned music called Fanfare for Auckland music. Organisers expect such high interest that they holding a public ballot for tickets.
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