Businesswoman Victoria Crone is expected to confirm today she will seek the Auckland mayoralty in next year's election.
Victoria Crone Photo: Supplied
The New Zealand managing director of software company Xero has been courted by people aligned with the National Party to run against veteran Labour MP Phil Goff in the October poll.
Ms Crone has repeatedly said she was considering running after being approached, and will make a decision this week.
The incumbent Len Brown announced last month he would not seek a third term in office.
While Ms Crone has not released policy, she is keenly backed by those from the political centre-right, the same end of the political spectrum as a third mayoral candidate, Mark Thomas.
Mr Thomas is a one-time National Party candidate, and deputy chair of the centre-right dominated Orakei Local Board.
Other declared candidates include rates campaigner Stephen Berry, activist Penny Bright, and former Green Party candidate David Hay.
Mr Goff announced last month he would be running for mayor.
He set out his broad plans at a campaign launch on Auckland's waterfront, telling supporters he would focus on solutions to traffic congestion and on building more homes.
Mr Goff has also come out against the sale of strategic assets.
