Auckland super city Mayor-elect Len Brown today appointed Penny Hulse as deputy mayor of the new council.
Mrs Hulse was the deputy mayor of Waitakere City and had served in various roles on the council for more than 15 years.
Mr Brown said she would bring a wealth of experience to the new council and would make an excellent deputy mayor.
"Mrs Hulse has very solid links with her community and shares my vision for bringing our region together and delivering on the big issues facing Auckland, such as public transport," he said.
"She will have a positive leadership role in the new Auckland Council and can work with people from across the political spectrum and around the region to get things done," he said.
Mrs Hulse said she shared common values with Mr Brown and looked forward to working with him.
"It's an honour to be asked to serve as deputy mayor. I look forward to working alongside Mayor Brown to make the amalgamation work for all of Auckland," Mrs Hulse said.