Election 2011: Record anything but invisible

Paul Goldsmith. Photo / Janna Dixon

Paul Goldsmith may be trying to play down his candidacy in Epsom, but his political record boasts more than just writing a biography of John Banks.

He served as the chairman of the now-defunct Auckland City Council's community services committee until last year, after various roles in Wellington, including working for Phil Goff as the Labour man's press secretary.

Outside politics, Mr Goldsmith worked in public relations to advise companies and organisations such as TranzRail and the University of Auckland.

Aged 40, he graduated from the University of Auckland with a master's degree in history, and moved for a time to Wellington to work as a speech writer and press secretary. He worked under Mr Goff, Mr Banks and National's Simon Upton before moving into public relations in 2000.

He has also written several books, including biographies of Mr Banks and Act leader Don Brash, a history of taxes and a history of the Fletcher Building construction company.

In the 2005 general election, he stood for the National Party in Maungakiekie and was number 59 on the party list.

He was elected to the Auckland City Council in 2007 and served as the deputy finance chairman and the community services chairman during Mr Banks' mayoralty. He became noted for his hard stance on homeless people, graffiti and race-based seats.

In November 2009, Mr Goldsmith fronted up in a Super City debate against Len Brown as a substitute for Mr Banks.

He is a father of four and a black belt in the Korean martial arts Tae Kwon Do.