Statement read by Mayoress Shan Inglis at media update today

“Firstly I would like to thank you all for coming.

“As you can imagine, it has been a very traumatic past few days both for myself and my family, and we have been very grateful for not only the interest that the media has shown in Len’s condition, but in the way that you have respected our need for privacy.

“Len’s heart attack came as a huge shock to us all. Although he is an extremely hard worker, - determined and passionate about Manukau city, there had been no indications of any health issues and, in fact on Saturday evening when he had his attack, he was animated as was his speech, he was excited and thoroughly enjoying his role as Mayor.

“Today I am very pleased to say that Len is off the critical list. He is stable and improving and has a smile.

“Len is alert and already keen to get back to work. However he has undergone major surgery and will need to take some time out to recover.

“On behalf of Len, myself, our daughters and our extended family I want to thank the community - locally, nationally and even internationally - for the outpouring of well wishes and support that we have received.

“I know that many people have been praying for Len’s recovery, and we are humbled by the flowers, cards, letters, prayers and emails that have flooded in. I believe those prayers have been answered.

“I want to thank those who administered medical assistance when Len collapsed at the Pacific Music Awards on Saturday night, the St Johns Ambulance staff, and to give special thanks to the committed and caring medical staff at both Middlemore and Auckland Hospitals. They have been absolutely fantastic and even while we were waiting for signs of improvement in Len’s condition, we knew he was in the best possible hands.

“Thanks also to Gary Troup who has taken over as Acting Mayor, the councillors and of course Leigh Auton and the staff of Manukau City Council. Their support has been huge, and of course we will be relying on all of them in the near future while Len takes time to fully recover.

“Len will obviously want to thank everyone personally when he is well enough to do so. But in the meantime I would ask that people continue to respect his privacy and allow him to rest and recuperate.”