Mayor Len Brown

Len Brown grew up in Otara and Papatoetoe, and went to Mayfield Primary School in Otara, Papatoetoe Intermediate and De La Salle College in Mangere.

He studied arts and law at Auckland University before joining the Auckland law firm Wynyard Wood, where he became a partner. He also co-founded the Howick Free Legal Service and the Greater East Tamaki Business Association.

Mr Brown entered politics when he was first elected to the Manukau City Council in 1992, serving as a councillor until 2004. He also served as chairperson of the Counties Manukau Health Council.

He ran for the Manukau City mayoralty in 2004, losing narrowly to long- serving mayor Sir Barry Curtis. He ran for the Manukau mayoralty again in 2007, winning by more than 14,000 votes.

Len Brown was elected mayor of a newly amalgamated Auckland and the first Auckland Council in October 2010.

He stood on a platform of delivering economic development, transport, supporting local communities and bringing Auckland together with inclusive leadership.

Len Brown is married to Shan Inglis. They have three children: Samantha, Olivia, and Victoria.

Outside politics and family, his interests include gardening, reading and singing.