RUNNING MATES: Broadcasters and returning political candidates Willie Jackson and John Tamihere announce in Auckland City on Thursday they're running for the mayoralties of Manukau and Waitakere, respectively. Times photo PJ Taylor.

Willie Jackson announced on Thursday at a media conference in a five-star downtown hotel in Auckland City, in a room called Manukau, he wants to succeed Sir Barry Curtis.

There were no detailed policies outlined, for high public interest subjects surrounding the Manukau City Council in the past year, such as rates, water and wastewater. Mr Jackson says his policies are being developed and will be rolled out in the coming weeks.

Alongside Mr Jackson on Thursday, as he is week days, was RadioLive talkback host and mate, John Tamihere.

The former government minister and politician, turned broadcaster, is also stepping back into his candidate gear to chase the Waitakere City mayoralty, running against long-time incumbent Bob Harvey.

Mr Jackson, the broadcaster, ex-unionist and business and Maori leader, says he’s now an independent candidate with no political party affiliations.

Handling public relations roles behind the scenes for Mr Jackson and Mr Tamihere’s campaigns are political columnist and commentator Matthew Hooton and Matt McCarten.

Mr Jackson’s bid for the Manukau mayoralty reunites him with his long-time Alliance Party colleague Mr McCarten, who finished third in the Auckland City mayoralty race of 2001, behind John Banks and Christine Fletcher.

When the Maori broadcasters were asked whether their mayoral candidacies are a stunt to enhance their public profile, Mr Tamihere answered with a forthright “no”.

Mr Jackson says: “This is a major change in our lives and we’re serious people on these sorts of issues. You’ve got to remember we’re not talkback hosts first and foremost. We’ve been MPs and have advocated for our communities daily. That’s what drives me.”

Mr Jackson believes Manukau needs a strong voice that’ll deliver results from the government. And he says he would not be running in September-October’s election if Sir Barry Curtis had decided to stand again.

“I’m aware of his history. I’m aware of how seriously he’s taken as a leader. And with him gone, it’s a huge gap,” says Mr Jackson.

“You need someone whose experienced as an advocate, who works for people and the communities and whose known. I fulfil all those areas.

“Obviously we need more resources for Manukau. We also need Manukau not to be put in third place, because everything revolves around Auckland City.

“I don’t want our city to be an invisible city. I really want our presence to be felt in Wellington. I know all the people in Wellington.

“And with respect to the other candidates, I’m not sure if they’re known down there.

“I’ve stood up for south Auckland and Manukau for many years. I think it has been defamed somewhat by many people who know nothing about Manukau.

“I would never have stood if Sir Barry hadn’t pulled out of the race. He’s done a great job in Manukau,” says Mr Jackson.

“We have to make it clear it’s a vibrant, strong city, with lots of different nationalities. And we’ve got some troublesome parts. I know where those parts are and I intend to make a stand for the people in those areas.”