KEY POINTS:
Is the time right for John Banks to return? Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Jeremy
Your use of this self-selected data to justify the headline to the effect that "Banks gets public's vote" is disgraceful, but unfortunately its only one of many examples of the Herald beat-up machine at work.
Scott
While I am a Banksie supporter, this poll is totally unscientific and therefore not worthy of reporting. What amazes me is that the Herald writes about this poll, but at the last election refused to report a scientific poll independently commissioned and conducted by reputable pollsters Roy Morgan which showed Rodney Hide ahead in the race for Epsom.
Kingsland
People have such short memories. It's really a shame that there is no truly great candidate. I will be voting for Dick as I did in the last election, not because he's my ideal mayor, but rather to keep John Banks out!
Jonty (Hicks Bay)
I'm for Banksy these days. In his previous term I didn't care much for his big mouth and arrogant attitude. Things change over time though. Not just my view of the man, but changes in his personal life as well. Seeing him go to Madagascar with the Intrepid Journeys programme was clearly a life-changing experience for John and an eye opening experience for those who saw it. I don't think it was an act for the camera. The changes were evident in his manner, his demeanor. The same changes were evident in All Blacks hardman Anton Oliver - neither of them can act so you know its real. Life-changing experiences like that bring out a different, often better person from within. That's the Banksy I want to see as the next mayor of this city.
Scott
Come on Herald - pull your socks up, comb your hair, straighten your tie and stop trying to pass this rubbish off as a credible gauge of public opinion. Lazy "journalism"!
Nick, Auckland
This man(?) is appalling. Anyone who can't remember his past record/ background/ deceit/ dishonesty and pathetic pleas of 'I was once poor too' should join the brain drain and leave this city immediately. Vote for Banks and you will forever regret it. He has not changed his venomous deceit one bit and don't be conned by his apparent 'turnaround.' He is evil!
Craig
Dick Hubbard's reign has just been another left wing train wreck (we seem to have an affection for such things in this country) which has left Auckland looking like a third world bomb site. It would be good if there where a new face, but given the current array of choice Banks is the best.
Michelle
Dear God. Please bring back Bankys. Mother Hubbard should stick to making cereal.
Jahan
I prefer John Bank to come back.
Margot
With regards to Ian Morine's comment, I totally agree - but only when discussing voting for Labour v National over the last 2 elections.
Banksie NOW
Can't wait to see Banksie back in Chains. Then Akl will have a real mayor again, not someone being led around by his equally ineffective deputy. We need to end the leftist Hubbard/Hucker socialist circus, before Auckland suffers irreparable damage.
pCb (Auckland)
The last election common sense told me that Dick Hubbard would make a fine mayor but my gut reaction prevented me from ticking the box - obviously I got that one right as we have had three years of inclusive rates rises and relative inactivity (while roads and rail are being added to Auckland as a whole seems shabbier than what it once was with increasing tagging, litter and attempts to beautify the problem based upon moving 'the problem' out of the CBD and into the 'burbs').Banksie will be irritating, many (myself included) may disagree with his attitudes but he seems to be the only character who may be able to kick start the city.
Michael
An on line poll is such a poor indication of public opinion that your story really does not deserve the headline "Bank's mayoralty gets public vote". While you acknowledge this with a one-liner at the end, it does not change the overall effect: journalism not even worthy of the name.
AG
Go Banksey. The idiot Hubbard should stick to making second rate cereal. What has he done since he has been in Power - Zippo, Zero, Nothing - I won't shed a tear once the old crooner is gone - ta ta Dick(head).
John M (North Shore)
It's great to see the prospect of John Banks back in the hot seat. We may not like all the man does or says but at least the Auckland region knows we have leadership when he is around. For me the improvements to the inner city motorway system alone are grounds for his return along with a hearty vote of thanks for his input to that project.
Anonymous
Can we add the option of 'neither' to the Herald digipoll?
Ian Morine
All I can say is - some people never learn!
Mel (Auckland)
Yeah like I really want an Adult Entertainment entrepreneur running the city my children reside in. What will he do, make a bylaw that allows more porn etc. It would be a very sad day in society if this man even got a shoe in. The fact his canidancy is mentioned should be an outrage. I'm sure I'm not the only parent sickened by this prospect.
Margot
John Banks for sure. He's not a PC pussy. NZ needs to get away from nancy left wingers. Its wrecking what used to be the best country in the world.
Marc Potter
For Banks: Auckland has the potential to be a world-class city, but poor communication within the council, poor cooperation between the city and the regional councils, political cronyism, lieing to and deceiving the public, lack of resolve to get costs down and get projects moving, lack of effective vision all spell mediocrity at best. Bring Back Banks and let's get some stakeholder alignment on a few key things, and demonstrate what this city could be!
Irena Dahlstrom
I will vote for John Banks, without question. Dick Hubbard has been a very ineffective mayor and Bruce Hucker needs to go with him. We need some proper leadership, not just people who turn up to eat lunch.
Geoff
I would suspect people smart and interested enough to read the Heralds' web page are naturally more disposed to the right of the political spectrum. The survey results may therefore need to be treated with caution.
Chris (Blockhouse Bay)
Isn't this whole exercise of crowing about the great support for John Banks is based on the views of readers of New Zealand Herald, who have a computer in front of them. What percentage of Aucklanders who go for the voting have that luxury? Isn't this another exercise of indirect campaininhg by the Herald?
Luke Mason
This is a really lame poll. The majority of people who have time to vote for this are middle managers locked away in their office and bored old grannies who all love the extremist militant 'banksy'. I can vouch for sure that most young people dislike Mr Banks and what he stands for.
Andrew
No vote to John.
Dick is willing to be more inclusive and lead Auckland to a place where it is a city enjoyed by all people.
strifemit
Hopefully someone new will come along. Hubbard is too soft and it is true that spending is getting out of hand. However saying that there is still a requirement to spend for the future and far too much is wasted. Banks had his chance and demonstrated what everybody knew - he is a bully. Don't be fooled by his current public demeanour. Once in power he'll act the same way again when he can't get his way. He is far too old hat and rigid in his views. Lock him out of the mayor's office permanently.
Auckland
Why does everyone fear a divisive leader. We need a mayor and enough councillors to do our bidding and bring the council to a grinding halt until they come to their senses and turn around the 15 years of extreme rates increases we have had. We need a rates freeze and cheaper rates for all, not targeted assistance. 300-400 per cent rates rises in 15 years is simply not acceptable. I hope a rates freeze candidate appears because they would win hands down.
Kaos
Dear John, Give some one else a chance for a public service payroll job. The same goes for Brash etc. The motor mouth must remain and suffer like the rest of us on his self-employed income forever on. Your apprenticeship was over years ago!
Amanda (Miyazaki)
John Banks for mayor? Please, nobody let that train wreck of a man anywhere near the mayoral chains. Let's have some fresh blood, please!
Mama Mia (Auckland)
By golly, hasn't he just too much harm already? About time Auckland gets totally new blood into running its affairs. And certainly not the old, useless chips.
Luke M
Banksy needs to stay out of politics. He is too polarised and too volatile.
Ken (Titirangi)
It is exciting that a defeated mayor has the courage and determination to have another go. Banksie brings the promise of strong leadership and pragmatic vision. A family man and successful businessman, he brings depth and experience to the mayoralty. The city is fortunate to have the opportunity to get him back in charge. No other candidate will match his love and concern for the wellbeing of both Auckland City and the wider region. When and if further amalgamation takes place he will be the natural step up to the wider leadership role. Go Banksie!
Larry of Eden
How depressing? Let's leave John in the '70's. I remember he got caught when he rang up on John Carter's talkback show up North acting/talking like an uneducated Maori. He got off lightly then, only to become Auckland's mayor a few years later. Shows you how respectful he is!
Pommie Immigrant
John Banks' return would be a disaster. If his main criticisms of Hubbard relate to the V8 race and the Eastern Highway he clearly hasn't learned a thing in the last few years. Auckland City needs a mayor who realises that Auckland as a big city needs suitable planning just the same as any other big city round the world. For example, Auckland's public transport is still rubbish, but it's a hell of a lot better than the ridiculous farce it was in 2001 when I arrived.
Kim H (Sydney)
Sure, I'd be for it. Hopefully he will also relaunch his previous initiative to get the eastern motorway built. And with any luck, he'd be a staunch advocate for starting construction on a toll-funded harbour tunnel ASAP.
Paul H
Things are grim indeed when the current mayor is so bad to make people want John Banks back. Heck, even I'd vote for Banksy out of the two. But what I'd really prefer is a quality mayor who will drag this city at least into the 90's.
Colin England
Didn't know Hell had frozen over. When did that occur?
Westie
Hubbard should be gone before breakfast and Banks? Been there, done that. Put Rodney up for the mayoralty and let him have a bash at it. I'd vote for him.
Zara Clarence
John Banks would be a huge boost for Auckland, with his vision and imagination, intelligence and unpolitically correct opinions. I would vote for him in a minute! Controversial yes, but undoubtedly brilliant and interesting politician. Dick Hubbard is a nice guy and his cereals are ace, but time for Auckland to move on, its transport crisis is only one of the issues requiring attention.
Tim Macavoy
I support the strong leadership John represents.
Wiki
I will be voting for John Banks, too many flip flops, too many rate rises and a cringe performance in Valencia about bringing the cup home. Bring back Banksie.
Ponsonby
Hooray, bring back John Banks! It's hard to find any friends who admit to voting for Hubbard last time. What a mistake they made, and they all realise it. Banks is an astute businessman, with the interests of Auckland at heart and that's exactly what we need. The only reason he "lost" last election was because he followed through on the promises he made to the electorate. He will be a Godsend compared to the wimpet council we now have. John Banks is also a major supporter of some major Auckland charities. If Hubbard has done his polling, he'll be peeing his pants at the moment!
Philosophernz
John Banks has had his chance as has Dick Hubbard. We need someone new: how about Paul Holmes or Mike Hosking.
Dean Armstrong
Hubbard too quiet, at least with Banksie you heard him through all types of media promoting this and that about Auckland solutions, you might not have agreed but the worst thing is to do nothing! So he led you into debate through those avenues of communication which is the sign of a leader to bring things into the open. Please come back Banksie, your time is now.
Ray Gilbert
Come back John! All is forgiven! I voted for Hubbard and have regretted it ever since. Nice enough guy but making breakfast cereals does not count when it comes to the cut and thrust of politics. We need someone with vision and determination and the political nous to accomplish things. And there is so much that needs to be done.
AKL
Good Bye Dick Hubbard, you are a an absolute joke. Please run for mayor of Queenstown and get the hell out of Auckland.
Tom
Banks has my vote - it's time to get rid of all the left-wing losers in the ACC and bring in people with the skills and commitment to get things done for Auckland and Aucklanders. Hubbard should go back to his cereal box newsletters. He has presided over a council which has done little but raise taxes and water charges, take expensive overseas junkets, and nit-pick over non-issues like bill boards. When he was elected he seemed to immediately hand over the job of running the city to Bruce Hucker. It's been down-hill ever since.
AGM (Wellington)
Surely the days have passed where John Banks, Christine Langbein (previously Lees, Fletcher) and other past mayors can reasonably argue they can make any difference. They can't like other councillors they have one vote each, and unless the mayor enjoys a council that is in agreement with their views then at best everyone's time is wasted and the mayor achieves nothing. Auckland and Aucklanders deserve to be governed by a council and mayor who can make sensible decisions for the best interests of the isthmus and not the myopic few and their political cronies who have dominated Auckland politics for the last 20 years.
John
Banks and Keys in the blue corner, Hubbard and Helen in the red. Go the Blues!
Kang (Mars)
It doesn't matter which of these pathetic human creatures you choose. Vote for the one called Banks or the one called Hubbard - it makes no difference. Your city is doomed! Doomed!
Ian Morine
I've got an excellent idea. We should go and dig up old Mayor Robbie and sit him up in the mayoral chair, I am sure that even in his present condition he would make a much better mayor than anyone else we have had since. At least he had foresight and excellent ideas for the future! Just imagine, we could have had a full underground railway system in Auckland, at a tenth of what the project would cost now "if" the councillors at that time had any backbone. I am sure the new Tank Farm development would be completed in far quicker time than forty years hence. He probably would have been in favour of the Waterfront Stadium too, knowing the vision he had for Auckland's future. God help us all if Christine Rankin ever gets her claws into the Auckland Mayoralty!
Jeff H (Mission Bay)
Now contrite John had his chance and frankly he blew it. He won't get elected again and I'm surprised he's considering it. The Auckland mayoralty is too important to have such a divisive character in charge. While Dick Hubbard (or you or I) have flaws, he has been on a steep political learning curve but he has shown to be a man of consensus, reason and vision, particularly on sustainable transport and the environment of our city. I suspect many who criticise him are not Auckland voters. Dick certainly deserves at least a second term and may eventually be remembered as one of the great Auckland mayors, given the opportunity.
Baz
Banksie is a straight shooter but the difference between John Banks and the left-wing losers running Auckland and New Zealand is he cares about this country and its people. Just look at his family and the way he lives. There is nothing charitable about left-wing politics, just look at the inflation in this country.
Najirb
Why do candidates think rail is the answer to the transport problem? Auckland does not have a proper rail network and to build one would cost billions. Who's going to pay for this? Rates are high enough already. Also, a public rail network will never be profitable so, in addition to the initial cost, ongoing subsidies will be required. The current traffic problems in central Auckland are due to there being a single harbour crossing, creating a bottleneck. Two more crossings further apart would go some way to reducing traffic.
Michael (Auckland)
Hubbard needs to go back to his cupboard. Definitely Banksie for Mayor.
Ipipiri (Bay of Islands)
You can't teach a old dog new tricks. John, forget about it, you have had your day, move over. Your old style does not work today. Auckland is the largest Polynesian City in the world. Remember your redneck views you had? The interview with that mate of yours, John Carter?
Frustrated Ratepayer
Great to hear that he wants to come back. He appears to have learned the lesson that arrogance is not acceptable and on this basis it's time to replace the dithering Hubbard, who's appearance on the world stage must cause people to wonder what sort of place Auckland and New Zealand really is.
Dennis
He has learned his lesson and will return the stronger for it!
Robyn Tiller
Yes, Banksie for Auckland.
Jacko
John Banks made the mistake of telling everyone how good he was. We live in a country where we tear down anyone who dares to take credit. He is good but dared to tell everyone, and of course, no one looked at his results and he got judged on his ego. Bring back Banksie.
Newmarket, Auckland
Yes I do realise how the left operates, and I severely dislike it. However, John Banks is far worse. Can we get a balanced mayor please? John Banks trying for mayor after being voted out is a joke and I agree with all of those who cannot stand him.
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