Four of the Auckland mayoral candidates, clockwise from top left: John Palino, Phil Goff, Vic Crone and Mark Thomas Photo: Supplied
A new poll shows Labour MP Phil Goff is strengthening his position in the race for the Auckland mayoralty.
Mr Goff polled 38 percent support, ahead of Vic Crone on 11 percent, and John Palino on six percent.
The online poll was conducted by Horizon Research, and commissioned by the Aera Foundation for The Spinoff website.
The most notable change from previous polling is the emergence of the youngest candidate, 22-year-old Chloe Swarbrick in fourth place with five percent.
Coming in at fifth place, both on four percent, were activist Penny Bright and local board member Mark Thomas.
Mr Thomas yesterday announced his focus was now on urging voters to choose anyone other than Mr Goff.
Policy analyst David Hay was seventh on the list of 19 candidates that respondents were asked to choose from, and was on two percent. Mr Hay plans to formally launch his campaign today.
A demographic breakdown of the 748 respondents showed Mr Goff with strong support across a wide range of income groups, and among supports of all major political parties.
Chloe Swarbick came in at fourth place in the latest poll. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Chloe Swarbrick, who is running a strong social media campaign and organising her own public meetings, polled second highest among those aged between 18 and 34.
The poll was commissioned by entrepreneur Derek Handley through his Aera Foundation which invests in campaigns affecting social issues, and public participation in them.
Mr Handley said the election was happening at a critical time in Auckland's evolution, and during a housing crisis, and polls were a way of triggering public awareness and discussion.
"Not many people seem to be investing in providing the transparency to gauge how the candidates are going, which I think is vital to keeping the conversation strong," he said.
The only other poll published recently was by SSI for The Spinoff, in which Phil Goff gained 32 percent support ahead of Vic Crone on eight percent.
The poll had a margin of error of 3.6 percent.
