Lee keeps ARC chairmanship

Mike Lee has kept his chairmanship of the Auckland Regional Council, which comes with a salary of $151,518.

After four days of political lobbying since Saturday's local body elections, Mr Lee and C&R councillor Michael Barnett today issued a statement confirming a second term for the left-leaning Mr Lee.

Mr Barnett, who was being pushed by National Party interests for the post, will be elected deputy chairman at the first council meeting on October 25.

Mr Lee secured a second term after obtaining the support of seven of the 13 councillors.

Fifth-term Manukau councillor Bill Burrill will chair the finance committee.