Victoria Crone to decide in next two weeks on run at Auckland mayoralty

Two sources have told the Herald the Xero managing director is almost certain to chase the Super City job. Photo / Brendan O'Hagen

Businesswoman Victoria Crone says she will announce in the next two weeks whether she will seek the Auckland mayoralty.

"I'm still not in a place where I have a firm decision one way or another," she said today.

Two sources have told the Herald the Xero managing director is almost certain to chase the Super City job.

One source said Ms Crone had been doing the rounds of National Party figures and indicated she was a serious contender.

"She will be the informal National Party candidate standing as an independent," the source said.

A second source said she was almost certain to run for the mayoralty and has been in talks with a number of people about being employed on a campaign team.

Last month, Ms Crone said: "My skill set is very much around leadership and governance -- and engaging with communities. Auckland is an incredible city, and can be even better," she said.

Former National Party president Michelle Boag has sung the praises of Ms Crone, saying she is a proven leader with leadership skills.

Asked on the Paul Henry show about the lack of a credible centre-right candidate, Ms Boag said: "Don't panic. It's all under control. There will be a contest."

Ms Crone came to the accounting software firm after nearly two decades at Telecom and Chorus, where she was general manager of marketing and sales.

Her board is understood to be keen for her to make a quick decision about the mayoralty.

Labour MP Phil Goff is the frontrunner to replace Mayor Len Brown after announcing on November 22 he would contest the mayoralty.

Prime Minister John Key said Mr Goff had a "pretty reasonable" chance of winning.

Other mayoral candidates include Orakei Local Board member Mark Thomas, Stephen Berry and Penny Bright.

The mayoral elections take place on October 8 next year.