Manukau City Council’s Chief Executive Leigh Auton is to have a reserve named after him in recognition of his contribution and service to the city.

Leigh Auton Reserve is located on the headland at Spinnaker Bay in Beachlands.  A place of considerable natural beauty, the reserve will be one of regional significance as it is located along the walkway that links Beachlands to Maraetai. The walkway is already proving to be very popular.

Mr Auton celebrates 32 years of employment with Manukau City Council in October.  He will be the last chief executive as the councils in the region merge into the new Auckland Council in November.

He has had a large professional and personal impact on the development of Manukau and the work of the council, and is delighted and humbled by the decision. 

“I am really touched. The reserve is in a beautiful area with outstanding views. 

“I feel a personal connection to the site having been involved in the development of Spinnaker Bay and the consent process for Pine Harbour Marina.  I also sponsored the Beachlands-Maraetai Sewerage Treatment Plant project and have been actively involved in land issues in Whitford, Beachlands and Maraetai.”

Mr Auton adds he has been involved in a lot of debate in the community and he respects their local pride.

The decision was made by council’s Policy and Activity Committee following a recommendation from the Clevedon Community Board.  The committee also endorsed naming a section of the walkway from Te Puru Bridge to the start of Second View Avenue Kelly’s Walk, to recognise the Kelly family’s long-standing historic connection to the area. 

The reserve will be formally opened before 31 October and a piece of public art will be commissioned for the site.

ENDS