One of Auckland's brothel-owning Chow brothers is considering a run at Mayor.
In a post on business networking site LinkedIn, John Chow said he could be "arm-twisted" into putting his name forward for next year's election "if there's enough interest".
"Now that 1 in 4 Aucklanders are Asian, is it time for the Asian community of Auckland to nominate a candidate for mayor?" he wrote on Thursday morning.
At the last census, 23 percent of Aucklanders identified with one or more Asian ethnic groups. Across New Zealand, it was just under 12 percent.
"Why? Because I believe I have a unique mix of growing up as a Kiwi but holding onto my Asian roots and beliefs while successfully growing a business empire."
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Mr Chow and his brother Michael made their millions in the sex industry, but were dumped from the NBR's annual Rich List this year after the magazine couldn't verify their exact wealth.
The brothers have since made moves into real estate and hotels and have a significant property portfolio, including the newly-announced Pullman Hotel in Rotorua.
He is also managing director of Stonewood Homes, who the brothers rescued from receivership in 2016.
"I have grown up in a regular household with a dream of building something that I can be proud of," Mr Chow wrote.
"New Zealand has allowed me to dream big and I have taken that opportunity to work my way from running a fish n chip shop with my brother to running a multi-million dollar business spanning varied industries. It is for this reason I believe I know how to help Aucklanders be great again."
Echoing US President Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' catchphrase, Mr Chow also promises to "never be boring".
"I think it is a good time for a multi-cultured leader that is ambitious and can deliver. I believe that it is time for a change and the people of Auckland need a leader that will stand up for Auckland's identity."
Former Labour leader Phil Goff won the 2016 mayoral election with 47 percent of the vote, well ahead of his closest competitor Vic Crone with 28.
The elections will be held in November 2019.
Newshub.
