Bill Ralston considers running for Auckland Council

Bill Ralston is considering running for a seat on Auckland Council. Photo / Nigel Marple

Media personality Bill Ralston says he is seriously looking at running for a seat on Auckland Council next year.

This morning he tweeted: "I'm considering running for the Waitemata ward as an independent"

"One of the reasons I want to stand is that I can see this council is basically in a state of paralysis on so many issues," Ralston told the Herald.

"I have never seen an outfit so unsuited to the task they have been given with the Super City.

"There is a whole pile of big issues they don't seem to be making a call on. They are running around like headless chooks ," said Ralston, who highlighted the city rail link and port expansion as two examples.

Another issue of interest to the Freemans Bay resident is light rail and building on the success of the Northern busway.

On rates, Ralston said he did not think the idea of rating Aucklanders to pay for some of the things (above) was going to work.

"They are reaching the point of actual rates revolt frankly," he said.

Former Herald editor Tim Murphy replied to this morning's tweet by saying: Don't do it Bill."

The former head of news and current affairs for TVNZ lives in Franklin Rd - famous for its Christmas light display - with his partner Janet Wilson.

The Waitemata and Gulf ward seat has been held by former Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee since 2010.