Manukau mayor granted leave of absence

The Manukau City Council has granted six months leave of absence to mayor Len Brown who is recovering from heart bypass surgery.

Under the Local Government Act 2002, absence from four consecutive council meetings would have led to the position of mayor becoming vacant if the council did not grant leave.

The mayor applied for two months leave but the council decided to grant six months to give Mr Brown as much space and time as he needs to recover fully.

But councillors realise Mr Brown might return before the six months has elapsed.

The council has granted leaves of absence to councillors in the past for a variety of reasons.

Acting mayor Gary Troup will continue in the role until Mr Brown returns.

“None of us know when Len will be able to resume his mayoral duties. That depends on his progress and medical advice,” Mr Troup says.

“But we all hope Len’s recovery goes smoothly and that he is restored to full health.

“In the meantime I will continue to work as hard as I can for the good of the city. I have had tremendous support from councillors and the community since I have been acting mayor. I greatly appreciate that support.”

Mr Brown is in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital.

Note to editors: Once leave of absence is granted, any council meetings missed prior to that do not count towards the Local Government Act stipulation about absence from four consecutive meetings creating a vacancy. The meetings need to be full council meetings and do not include extraordinary meetings. There is no limit to the time period that can be granted as a leave of absence. That depends on the decision of the council.