Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Sir Barry returns to Auckland politics

Updated at 12:10 pm on 21 August 2010

One of New Zealand's longest serving mayors is coming out of political retirement to stand as a councillor in the super city in Auckland.

Sir Barry Curtis was mayor of Manukau City for 24 years, standing down in 2007 when Len Brown took over the role.

Now he wants to serve on the Manurewa-Papukura ward of the new Auckland Council.

Sir Barry says it's been almost impossible to let go of local politics since he stood down three years ago.

Sir Barry says he's kept a watchful eye on the region and has decided get involved in the super city so he can fight to retain the distinct needs of Counties Manukau.

He says there is a view that the whole power base will change from being evenly distributed across the whole region, to being centred in downtown Auckland.

Sir Barry says he will fight to keep public libraries and swimming pools in Counties Manukau free, and to keep rates down.

23 people are running for the super city mayoral post.

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