Mayoral contenders

Cherie Howie at NZ Herald reports:

Firebrand former mayor Michael Laws says Wanganui people are urging him to don the mayoral chains again.

Laws, who retired from the mayoralty in 2010 after six years, has confirmed he is thinking of standing again, after a “delegation of folk” offered their support.

My theory is that you only openly talk about standing if you have decided to stand.

Reuben Shadbolt, son of longtime Invercargill mayor and former Waitemata City leader Tim Shadbolt – is to contest the Auckland mayoralty. He is also seeking a Whau Local Board seat.

Don’t think Len will be too worried.

And 3 News reports:

Two new candidates have stepped up to challenge Lianne Dalziel for the Christchurch mayoralty

Paul Lonsdale, who is the central city manager of the city’s Business Association, officially announced his plans to stand as an independent today.

The 52-year-old has lived in Christchurch for over 40 years and helped get the Re:Start container mall project up and running.

“I want to give people a choice,” he told 3 News this morning. “It’s an opportunity to create some debate and flush out exactly where people sit in Christchurch and how they see the future.”

The long-time local says his connections to the city’s business community would help the city get back on its feet.

Lonsdale is a serious candidate, and will indeed give people a choice.