KEY POINTS:
The Auckland City mayoralty race was thrown wide open last night as Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney threw his hat into the ring.
The flamboyant businessman, who darts around on an orange Italian scooter and in designer clothes, will be a real threat to the two main contenders, sitting mayor Dick Hubbard and former mayor John Banks.
Mr Swney could not be reached for comment but a close associate confirmed rumours that he was standing.
Mr Swney is the seventh candidate to seek the mayoralty.
Another candidate, porn king Steve Crow, has helped to form a new political party. Mr Crow is an executive director of the new party, which he will name tomorrow.
"We will appeal to everyone ... anyone who has an interest in Auckland politics and sees problems with the existing system," he said.
Details such as the new party's name and leader would be given at the launch - although Mr Crow said he would not be the leader.
He did not believe his porn industry involvement would harm the party. "People know Dick Hubbard makes cornflakes but it's irrelevant. It is about Auckland City and the running of Auckland City."
But Mr Crow said he would stand as an independent for the mayoralty.
A source said the new party could be named 1auckland.com. That web address is listed as being owned and controlled by Mr Crow.
Other confirmed mayoral candidates are first-term councillor John Hinchcliff, community activist Lisa Prager and businesswoman Coralie van Camp.
