Actor and director Simon Prast has entered the super-city mayoral race in Auckland.
Prast has a background in theatre and the arts. He founded the Auckland Theatre Company and was voted Auckland Man of the Year in a 2003 Metro readers' poll.
While he has no political background, he says he brings skills in communication, creativity and impartiality to the table.
Prast says he decided to run for mayor because voters have a limited choice of candidates.
He says he has no political affiliations, but would seek a middle ground when making decisions.
Election front runners are Auckland City Mayor John Banks and Manukau Mayor Len Brown.
The election will be held on 9 October.
