Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Auckland councillors give maiden speeches

Updated at 8:03 pm on 2 November 2010

Members of Auckland Council are giving their maiden speeches on the second day of their first meeting.

The council formally convened for the first time on Monday evening and the meeting continued on Tuesday at Auckland Town Hall.

Councillor Cathy Casey broke into a song to illustrate her passion for social justice.

Citizens and Ratepayers councillor Chris Fletcher told Mayor Len Brown she did not want to be see an increase in rates and urged the council to work within its budget.

Mr Fletcher warned that citizens and ratepayers members would be vigilant in protecting the affordability of the city.

Councillor Jamie Lee Ross told Mr Brown the council alone cannot fund the big infrastructure projects he favours.

Former regional council chair Mike Lee spoke about wanting to achieve world-class infrastructure as well as the sadness of seeing the other councils cease to exist.

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