I’m enormously proud of Auckland – it’s a great city full of life, heart and soul.
As a former local councillor, regional member and minister of local government, I have a great admiration for the work of local government in New Zealand.
So it is with great pleasure that this year it plays host to this much anticipated annual conference.
I look forward to Conference 2010 with much interest. Economic development, prosperity and what prosperity means are themes close to my heart. For me prosperity isn’t just about dollars – it’s about a way of thinking and a generosity of spirit that comes with success and feeling good about ourselves.
This is what we all strive for in our cities, towns and regions.
And as the economy picks up we must focus on maximising that aspirational mindset and creating opportunities for growth.
With a greater Auckland, the responsibility for economic development and attracting investment will become even more critical.
I look forward to meeting you at Conference 2010 where these fundamentally important issues will be discussed and debated.