John Banks has failed to appear in court for the second time to face a paternity claim by a man who claims to be his son.
Antony Shaw has filed legal proceeding against the former Auckland mayor and Cabinet Minister alleging Banks had a relationship with his mother in the 1960s and that he is Banks' biological son.
Shaw is asking a judge to declare that Banks is his next of kin. Such an order would have legal implications for Banks' will.
The case was called for the second time today in the High Court at auckland.
Shaw's lawyer Jacque Lethbridge said she did not expect Banks to appear. The court also heard that Banks had not filed any response to the paternity application.