The Auckland mayoralty may not be seriously contested at next year's election. Time is running out for a challenge to incumbent Len Brown.
Radio New Zealand's Auckland correspondent says the election is 10 months away, but it's widely believed a long and expensive campaign is required to woo the one million voters.
Mr Brown and John Banks were both campaigning this time three years ago, for the newly created position.
There is no sign yet of a challenger campaign. Cost is considered to be a hurdle: up to $600,000 is allowed to be spent within the formal three month campaign period alone.
Auckland politicians say any serious challenger would need to emerge soon.
