12 Jul 2010

Businessman may contest super-city mayoralty

11:38 am on 12 July 2010

The mayoral race in Auckland could have a new contender if millionaire businessman Tenby Powell does not believe John Banks can win the race.

Mr Powell says he is a "100% supporter" of Mr Banks campaign, but would consider stepping in if he thought one of the other candidates might win.

Mr Powell is a former army Lieutenant-Colonel who currently heads the New Zealand Rental Group.

He says Auckland could be a world class city, but a lot of value has been destroyed over years by what he calls petty political feifdoms.

He also says he may stand instead as an independent candidate for the Waitemata ward and would be happy to serve as Mr Bank's deputy.

The new Auckland Council comes into being on 1 November, replacing eight councils.

Election nominations open on 23 July and close on 20 August. Voting closes on 9 October.