[Penny]

It's Curtis - by the skin of his teeth

10.10.2004
By STEPHEN HULL
Record-breaking mayor Sir Barry Curtis survived the fright of his political life after narrowly clinching victory in one of the tightest Manukau City elections ever.

As final votes were being counted, his comfortable 34,000-vote majority from 2001 was slashed to 566 when rival candidates made huge dents on his once enviable lead.

It had been thought voters would opt for a change, instead they chose a familiar face - and helped ensure Sir Barry's eighth mayoral win.

Celebrating last night, the relieved mayor said: "I have been aware that there has been mood for change throughout New Zealand.

"I'm just absolutely delighted that I am able to continue with my vision for the future and extend my record.

"I didn't think at any stage I wouldn't win because so many people were asking me to stand again. I understand how this community works and that's why I have been voted in again."

The win means the 65-year-old has been mayor since 1983 of the city where he was born and bred.

In an intriguing grudge match for Sir Barry's crown his former council protege, lawyer Len Brown, came desperately close to ending the record run. There was a buoyant mood in the Brown camp throughout the day.

Despite trailing Sir Barry's 19,279 votes to 18,658 at the progress result stage, he remained confident.

Manukau is New Zealand's fastest-growing city and faces huge infrastructure challenges in the next three years.

Former 1976 Olympian Dick Quax, who was at one stage tipped to win the mayoral race, said: "I'm disappointed because I felt that the support for me was very strong and people felt it was time for a change. Obviously it wasn't and I really don't know why."