KEY POINTS:
The first poll of the Auckland mayoralty race shows John Banks on 43.2 per cent, 5.8 points clear of current mayor Dick Hubbard on 37.4 per cent. Pornography industry figure Steve Crow was a distant third on 7.9 per cent.
The results are a turnaround from the 2004 local body elections when Hubbard, the cereal maker and political novice, beat Banks, the former National Party cabinet minister, by 19,016 votes.
Who do you like better between Banksy and Hubbard? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:
Remuera Resident
The Herald poll doesn't represent a totally unforeseen outcome, rather it's a reality reflecting the current state of the council. I like John Banks because I know he will get things done.
John
Well Done Auckland - Banksie back # 1 again where he should be! Common sense and honesty have its place in Auckland.
Ian McKinnon
It shows that the actual ratepayers are getting concerned over the frivolous wasting of money by this current Labour Left Lunatic. I have stated for many years that only a principal ratepayer should vote in local body and mayoral elections.
Nick
Common you silly Aucklanders, haven't you had enough of Banks arrogance?
Steve (Auckland)
Mr Hubbard is Mr Flip Flop - he doesn't appear as a strong leader at all - and Mr Banks was rightly discarded 3 years ago. The only reason he is polling so high now is that Hubbard is worse and there is no really good candidate up yet! I would still not vote for him as his record as mayor was abysmal. We need someone like Mike Moore to come forward, or perhaps Rodney Hide. I am not naturally an ACT person, but he has thoroughly impressed me in the last couple of years. Get out of parliament and stand for mayor. We need a visionary leader who will listen to all sides fairly and make rational and sensible decisions for Aucklanders. That is not a description that sits well with either Hubbard or Banks!
Harry L (Waitakere City)
I still like the idea of ex-Telecom CEO Theresa Gattung running for Auckland mayor. A city this size needs an experienced manager who can get things done. What is she doing since she resigned anyway?
Ray
I prefer Banksy. He sends very clear and concise statements about his direction for future Mayor.
Edwyn Rudge
Mr Hubbard may be an awfully nice man but he would also be the classic example of someone who tries to please all of the people all of the time. Nice guys finish last!
No more left wingers
Banksy for sure, Hubbard has proved to be in this for nothing more than a platform for a future Labour candidate, which may be fine & dandy, but AKL needs a pro-business go-getter, with the 'balls' to achieve some change in this ever so PC place we are becoming. Banksy has no PC in him, which is what we need!
Mike (North Shore)
Bruce Hucker has always dominated the Auckland Council. Let's see John Banks elected. He won't stand this nonsense.
Michael
Banks has a brain, Hubbard's got all mushed up and made breakfast fodder out of it.
Michael
Hubbard for mayor. The familiar and folksy reference to someone called "Banksy" indicates a less than impartial stance on the part of the Herald.
FergusK9 (Barrier Island)
Banksie every time. Dick is a nice man and good employer but should not be in politics local or national. Banks is abrasive and you either love him or hate him but he gets things done - plus he is a leader. Auckland needs strong leadership and strong personalities leading the city.
