The Labour Party has announced it is endorsing Efeso Collins' independent campaign for the mayoralty of Auckland.
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 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.
RNZ
