But wait there's more... John Banks competes for a good cause

Tony Astle and John Banks get ready to race. Photo / One Agency

Two famous faces raced in the annual Parnell Waiters Race in aid of Habitat for Humanity.

Current Cabinet minister and ACT Party leader John Banks took on the 'Godfather' of haute cuisine Tony Astle (of John Key's local haunt Antoine's).

The race took place in Heard Park where contestants from the hospitality days of old, including Antoine's, VBG and Metropole, mixed it up with staff from current cafés and popular neighbourhood lounge bars.