Contender goes straight to the top for mayoral advice

Simon Prast. Photo / Janna Dixon

Auckland Super City mayoral candidate Simon Prast is seeking advice and support from some of the world's top leaders - from the mayors of London and New York to the Kennedy family.

Mr Prast, a director and actor who grew up in South Auckland, contacted London Mayor Boris Johnson, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the son of assassinated US senator Robert F. Kennedy.

Mr Bloomberg has not answered, but Mr Johnson and Maxwell Kennedy have been in touch.

An email from Mr Johnson arrived yesterday morning, and was soon posted on Mr Prast's Facebook page.

"Dear Mr Prast. Thank you for your email. I have found being the mayor of London to be the best possible job and I wish you the best of luck in your campaign to become Auckland's mayor."

Mr Johnson's email goes on to talk about his "extremely good relations" with the new UK Government.

"I never cease in telling central government that what is good for London is good for all the UK as the capital is the engine of the UK's economy and is driving the economic recovery."

Mr Prast yesterday said that that idea was something he had now taken on board in his run for Auckland mayor.

"Cheers to Boris Johnson for the sound advice and support. What is good for Auckland is good for NZ. [Auckland] is the engine of our economy. [Auckland] will be the driving force of our economic recovery."

Mr Prast said yesterday that the idea of getting in touch with overseas leaders was something that came to him after announcing his run for mayor.

"That's just my thinking - that it would do well to look outwards because that's something you can learn from other people," he said.

Maxwell Taylor Kennedy, who is also nephew of assassinated US President John F. Kennedy, responded with kind words for Mr Prast and Auckland ... which he incorrectly described it as a capital city.

Mr Kennedy said: "Congratulations Simon. I hope you do great things for the city. It has been nearly 25 years since I visited Auckland, but I recall it as being perhaps the most beautiful capital in the world."

The message ends with: "Thanks for your note and good wishes to you. Win that race and help your country!"

Mr Prast said he was happy to get advice from international leaders.

"I don't see the other mayoral candidates getting some of America's top leaders giving them advice."