Labour MP Phil Goff has nailed his colours to a house once owned by former National cabinet minister John Banks.
The mayoral candidate yesterday erected a billboard on the $4.5 million Remeura mansion in Victoria Ave owned by Banks when he was Mayor of Auckland City.
"There is an element of fun, no question about that," said Goff, whose blue billboards have already led to a complaint they mislead voters who associate blue with National.
"I think it's important the mayor has a broad level of support."
Goff, like Banks in his mayoral days, is standing as an independent.
Banks, who sold the Spanish-style house in 2012, saw the irony: "It must be the only private property in Remuera where this could happen. The locals will be traumatised."
Goff said the owner of the house, Jimmy Chen, a cardiologist who also runs a school for international students, gave him permission to erect the sign.
"He's a guy probably attracted by my slogan of making Auckland a place where talent and enterprise can thrive. He's a perfect example of it."
