Prendergast to try for fourth term

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast intends to stand for a fourth term.

Earlier she had ruled out standing in October's local body elections, but she told The Dominion Post last night that she would stand again as an independent.

Ms Prendergast, 56, first won the mayoralty in 2001, after former mayor Mark Blumsky decided not to run again.

"I have decided to seek a fourth term as mayor to ensure there is ongoing confidence in Wellington's direction, leadership and management of the council. I have always stood as an independent and I will do so again this year," the newspaper quoted her as saying.

Sir Robert Jones is promoting a ticket called Vibrant Wellington whose central plank is the creation of a bus-free pedestrian boulevard in the central city. Ms Prendergast had been suggested as a possible leader of this ticket.

Sir Robert said Ms Prendergast's decision came as no surprise but he believed there was still a possibility she might stand on the Vibrant Wellington ticket.

Other declared candidates so far include Allan Probert, a Miramar vet, and businessman Jack Yan.

- NZPA