Flurry of last-minute candidates putting hand up to be mayor of Auckland

There are now eight candidates vying for the job of mayor of Auckland. Photo / Natalie Slade

Four new candidates have joined the Auckland Council mayoralty race, with less than 24 hours to go until nominations close.

Latest data reveals there are now eight candidates vying for the job.

The new candidates are Patrick Brown of the Communist League, independent Binh Thanh Nguyen, Phil O'Connor of Christians Against Abortion who stood in 2013, as did Wayne Young who is listed as having no affiliation.

A total of 231 have been received so far for 170 positions as ward and local board councillors.

There is strong interest in the Howick ward where six candidates are so far seeking the election for just two seats.

So far the only two wards without full subscription for all positions are Manurewa-Papakura and North Shore while five local boards are in the same position.

In 2013, there was also a flurry of late nominations, with 44 per cent received in the final two days.

Nominations close at midday tomorrow.

A new mayor and council for Auckland face some tough decisions on transport, housing, Ports of Auckland and asset sales, pre-election report issued last month said.