Former Auckland City Mayor John Banks decides against fresh campaign

Friday, 26 July 2019

John Banks says he will not contest the Auckland mayoralty.

John Banks will not run for the Auckland mayoralty, instead throwing his support behind John Tamihere.

The former MP and Mayor of Auckland City confirmed his decision around midday Friday. Banks had been making noises about a possible mayoral bid.

Banks had been running focus group sessions to determine whether he had a shot at beating Goff.

'We've had a mayor who's been in hibernation rather than collaboration with the very people who trusted him with their vote,' he told Stuff earlier this month.

But on Friday he ruled out challenging Goff.

'After much reflection, discussion and deliberation with colleagues, friends and family – and based on valuable political research – I have decided not to seek the Auckland mayoralty,' Banks said.

'Since the beginning of this year, I have worked with other like-minded people to approach and assist other possible mayoral candidates to see if they were interested in running.

'They all declined to do so, which led me to then explore my own possible candidacy.'

Banks is backing John Tamihere instead.

'As it presently stands, I intend to vote for John Tamihere and Christine Fletcher, and to let them make the case for change,' he said.

'I will be in touch with his team to pass on the policy work that has been undertaken in case that proves useful to his campaign.'

Banks said he considered running because he saw it as his 'duty to raise important issues and solutions to the various challenges that Auckland faces'.

'As someone who cares deeply about Auckland, it has been frustrating to see inaction and bad decisions, and I am absolutely convinced there is a need for change in Auckland's leadership,' he said.

'Auckland is crying out for new ideas and better executive leadership.'

Research completed by the Banks camp showed he would be the second most preferred candidate for mayor.

'However, the research also showed that much of my support would come from collapsing John Tamihere's support, and not enough from Phil Goff,' he said.

'This would ultimately be counterproductive for any efforts to seek the change that Auckland desperately needs.'

Tamihere said there had been no 'horse-trading' with Banks, and he regretted that the former politician would not join the race.

'The more energy and colour we can get in the contest the better,' Tamihere told Stuff.