Mayor Len Brown at our School

This is our Auckland City's Mayor - Mr Len Brown. He came to our school on Thursday, 7th of August for Sod Turning Ceremony. 

Groundbreaking, also known as cutting, sod-cutting, turning the first sod or a sod-turning ceremony, is a traditional ceremony in many cultures that celebrates the first day of construction for a building or other project. Such ceremonies are often attended by dignitaries such as politicians and businessmen. The actual shovel or spade used during the actual groundbreaking is often a special ceremonial shovel meant to be saved for subsequent display. Commemorative information may be subsequently engraved on the shovel.

He was at our school from 9am till 10.30am. During the ceremony there were few speeches, songs and then the whole school went for Sod Ceremony next to the swimming pool. After the ceremony all the children were given lollies and balloons to mark this special day.

About Len Brown

Len Brown was elected Mayor of Auckland in 2010 and re-elected in 2013.

He is committed to:

• improving Auckland’s transport network
• quality compact urban design and more affordable housing
• keeping rates low while improving Auckland’s economic performance
• building an inclusive culture in a city of 1.5 million people and 180 ethnicities.

His vision is for Auckland to be the world’s most liveable city.

During his childhood in South Auckland, Len was raised with a strong sense of community service. A University of Auckland law graduate, Len combined his legal qualifications and commitment to his local community by co-founding organisations such as the now iconic Otara Fleamarket, the Otara Health community service, the Howick Free Legal Service, and the Greater East Tamaki Business Association.

His political career began in 1992 as the Manukau City Councillor for Otara, later becoming Mayor of Manukau.

Under his leadership, Auckland has:

• developed a 30-year blueprint for the growth and development of the region
• launched an Economic Development Strategy
• improved its standing on all three major international quality of life surveys, placing in the top 10 of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Report, Monocle magazine’s Most Liveable Cities Index and the Mercer Quality of Living Survey.

Len is passionate about Auckland and committed to working across political boundaries to achieve the best for the region and its people.

Len and his wife Shan Inglis have three daughters and a grandson.

Here are some pictures as the event unfolded.