The Wellington City mayoral race could be thrown wide open in a possible move south by Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett.
RNZ News understands Mr Leggett has been approached by several people across the political spectrum who have suggested he join the Wellington ballot.
It had not been confirmed that he would stand again in Porirua and he was understood to be considering the calls to run for Wellington in October.
Mr Leggett would not comment, except to say he was committed to Porirua.
Mr Leggett has been on the Porirua Council since he was 19-years-old.
Now 36, the former commercial property broker is set to become a father in July.
Mr Leggett is a Labour Party traditionalist but pressure on him to stand in the Capital was said to be coming from across the board, from those who thought there was a need for leadership in the capital.
Deputy Mayor Justin Lester has said he will run for Mayor on the Labour ticket.
Other contestants include Nicola Young, a conservative, and the incumbent Celia Wade Brown, who has ties with the Green Party.
If Mr Leggett were to stand in Wellington it was expected he would first move into the city.
