By BERNARD ORSMAN
A poll conducted by Auckland City Mayor John Banks shows him leading two rivals for the mayoralty six months out from the local body elections.
Mr Banks had 38 per cent support, followed by the leader of the centre-left City Vision ticket Dr Bruce Hucker on 29 per cent
and former mayor Christine Fletcher on 15 per cent. The poll of 300 people who voted at the 2001 local body elections had a margin of error of plus or minus 10 per cent.
Mr Banks yesterday declined to comment on the poll but a source confirmed it was done by an independent pollster over two days after Dr Hucker announced on March 31 he was standing for the mayoralty.
Dr Hucker said he was encouraged by the figures which showed the mayoralty was winnable for him.
Mrs Fletcher said the combined votes of herself and Dr Hucker showed great dissatisfaction with Mr Banks and his council with their "pay more, get less regime".
"If I have got that degree of support without my campaign kick-starting we are very pleased in my camp."
Herald Feature: Local vote 2004
