NBR ONLINE presented readers with a list of potential candidates to take on Auckland Mayor Len Brown in the race to represent a third of the countries population.
Maurice Williamson did not enjoy majority support, but was still easily the most popular choice from a pool of conservative and centralist candidates (plus Mike Lee, and reality TV chef John Palino, of unknown political province).
The National cabinet minister has expressed interest in the role, but has yet to commit.
NBR sees Mr Williamson having several key advantages - detailed that that position him as a strong candidate to take on the left-leaning Mr Brown (read: 'Mayor Mo' could bury Len Brown).
Former ACT leader and super city architect Rodney Hide placed a solid second, with right wing councilors Cameron Brewer and Dick Quax also making double digits.
In 2010, in the first election after five councils were amalgamated into one "super city," former Auckland Mayor John Banks was thumped by Len Brown. Mr Banks, now leader of ACT and MP for Epsom, has expressed no interest in taking another shot.
All Black-turned entrepreneur, businessman and community leader Michael Jones leads the single-digit pack.
Mr Palino trails the field, but does enjoy the rare distinction of being one of the few (along with John Minto on the left) who have confirmed they will run. Voting will close on October 12.
October 2010 Auckland Mayoral results
Len Brown: 237,487 (49.24%)
John Banks: 171,542 (35.57%)
Colin Craig: 42,598 (8.83%)
Others: 30,699 (6.37%)*
* None of the 19 other candidates, who included Andrew Williams, Penny Bright and Simon Prast, achieved more than 1% of the vote.
Source: www.elections2010.co.nz/
NBR staff
Wed, 08 May 2013
Wed, 08 May 2013
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POLL RESULT: Mayor Mo? Readers rank potential candidates against Auckland Mayor Len Brown
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