KEY POINTS:
Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey is seeking a sixth term in the October local body elections.
"I'm at the top of my game and feel I have another term left in me," the 65-year-old said yesterday.
"I'd like to continue good leadership and strong vision to make this a great 21st-century city."
Mr Harvey said his achievements since being elected in 1992 included overseeing the building of four libraries, the Trusts Stadium, Civic Centre and "Son of Britomart" transport interchange, double-tracking of the West Auckland railway line and creating jobs.
He had also lifted pride in the city once known as "the wild west" and now famous as "Eco City".
An interest in films and job creation gave rise to the council converting an apple packing shed into studios for renting to movie-makers. The country's second biggest studio sound stage is being built there and Mr Harvey said film could contribute $100 million a year to the Waitakere economy.
Creating more jobs in film-making and industries such as boat-building and tourism were his present concerns. But the city was short of land for employment opportunities because a big part of its area was the Waitakere Ranges.
Trying to get more visitors to the ranges to stay or to shop in the city was one way to create jobs.
The council was also looking to Massey North and Hobsonville as potential areas to provide employment opportunities if they could be brought inside metropolitan urban limits to allow development.
Mr Harvey also hopes to see progress on securing the electrification of the West Auckland line and use of Whenuapai Air Base for a civilian airport.
He said other challenges were achieving reductions in domestic violence and youth crime.
Former Cabinet minister John Tamihere had been tipped to stand for the city's top job but ruled it out yesterday. However, Henderson Community Board member Steve McDonald will seek the mayoralty.
Mr McDonald, who works in sales and stood once before, said it was time for a change in leadership.
He said Mr Harvey was developing "a bit of an 'I know best' attitude" and pledged to listen to constituents.
Massey ward councillor Vanessa Neeson, who has also stood before, said she had not yet decided whether to try again.
Waitakere ward councillor Penny Hulse said she expected more candidates to come forward closer to the election.
"Local government is notorious for people keeping their cards held tightly to their chests."
She said she was not seeking the mayoralty.
