Palino for Auckland

Bernard Orsman at NZ Herald reports:

Restaurateur John Palino has put his hat in the ring to challenge Auckland Mayor Len Brown at October’s local body election.

Mr Palino, a New Yorker who has appeared on the TV3 show The Kitchen Job, is the first centre-right candidate to challenge Mr Brown, who stands as an independent candidate but is a member of the Labour Party.

The businessman, a New Zealand citizen, has come forward only days after National Cabinet minister and Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson said he was considering standing for mayor.

Last night, Mr Palino said he opposed Mr Brown’s draft Unitary Plan for intensification of residential areas in north, west and east Auckland. Instead, he planned to turn the industrial and commercial area of Manukau into the most liveable modern city in the world, and allow for business growth outside the CBD.

Good to see the race warming up.