Len Brown says he intends to stay on as Auckland's mayor, despite revelations that he conducted a two-year extra-marital affair.
Mr Brown confirmed the affair on Tuesday, which was reported in detail on the Whale Oil blog website.
Len Brown. Photo: RNZ
He said he had previously told his wife about the relationship, which he said was with someone who served on a council advisory board and who stood in this year's election.
In his only interview on the subject, Len Brown told TV3's Campbell Live programme on Tuesday night that he told his family about the affair last week.
Mr Brown was elected last weekend to a second term in office, with a majority of more than 50,000 votes. He told the programme that this has given him a strong mandate as mayor and he wants to keep the job.
"A very, very strong majority of people - nearly half the people who voted - said they wanted me as mayor. I've loved that job with a passion. And I love this city and I want to stay in that job - so, yes, it is my intention to stay as the mayor."
Asked if people would have supported him had they known about the affair, he admitted he didn't know, but cited his strong record in local body politics.
Mr Brown told the programme he was speaking in a bid to protect his wife and children as they dealt with the fallout from the story and appealed for privacy.
"I want the community and the media to respect my family. I have caused my wife and my children harm and shame and humiliation. And I want the media and the community to please, as much as they can, respect my family as I go through this time."
Mr Brown said he could say "nothing" ahead of his only interview so far and would not talk to waiting media after it finished.
