The Labour Party has announced it is endorsing Efeso Collins' independent campaign for the mayoralty of Auckland.
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In a statement it said the decision was made at the weekend by the party's governing body, following consultation with members. Collins' bid for endorsement was unopposed.
"The party sees a Collins mayoralty as historic, and would represent the first Pacific mayor of the city," the party said in a statement.
Collins said he wanted to be "mayor for the people" and was proud to have Labour's backing.
"This is a sign of shared values," Collins said in a statement.
"Values like care, collaboration, inclusion, and listening are at the heart of the Labour Party, and they will be at the heart of my vision for the future of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
"I am so pleased that the Labour Party has demonstrated that it values me for who I am - someone who will champion working people and the labour movement, and someone who will be independent-minded and ambitious for the future of this city," he said.
Collins confirmed in January he was planning on running for mayor. He said at the time he would run with or without Labour's endorsement.
Earlier this month, two-term mayor and former Labour Party leader Phil Goff confirmed he would not seek re-election.
Goff did not endorse Collins, but said he met the definition of a new generation of leadership. It was his wish that a younger person would take on the role.
Collins has been a councillor, representing Manukau, since 2016.
He said the endorsement followed a thorough process and he was "gratified" to receive Labour members' support.
