Controversial radio talk-back host and former member of Parliament John Banks is the new mayor of Auckland, beating the incumbent Christine Fletcher, by 15,000 votes.
Mr Banks, who served as National Party Minister of Police and Minister of Local Government, won a sometimes-bitter battle against incumbent mayor Christine Fletcher, whom hesaid lacked leadership ability, and Alliance Party president Matt McCarten.
Ms Fletcher, in turn, ran a newspaper advertisement with a selection of Mr Banks' views on "natives", the Japanese, Italians and homosexuals.
She referred to Mr Banks' radio talkback show two years ago when he described Italy's America's Cup team in derogatory terms. The Broadcasting Standards Authority upheld a complaint that his comments encouraged racial discrimination.
Mrs Fletcher also reacted to claims she had sat on the fence over a new motorway through the wealthy eastern suburbs into the city.
"I am quite stubborn and there may be occasions when I don't help my own cause ... but I believe it would have been dishonest to have portrayed any other view [on the motorway]."
Mr Banks has been unequivocal in his support of the motorway, saying the most memorable quote from Mrs Fletcher on the hustings was: "I'm not for and I'm not against the eastern corridor."
"That brings me back to the whole thrust of my campaign: that Auckland desperately needs leadership," said Mr Banks.
On Thursday, Mr Banks said it was a constitutional outrage that the Council, on its last day in office, signed a contract for the $200 million Britomart public transit terminal.
"If it's so good, why does it have to be signed on the last day?
"Why can't it wait for a week so it can have the support of the incoming council, who are going to be held responsible for it?"
John Banks won 46,711 votes, against 31,314 for Ms Fletcher and 15,556 for Mr McCarten.
