Labour has strong lead in Mt Albert poll

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Labour's candidate David Shearer will easily win the Mt Albert by-election, an opinion poll has shown.

The TV One survey, released tonight, put Mr Shearer on 59 percent support with National's Melissa Lee far behind on 21 percent.

The Green Party candidate, co-leader Russel Norman, was third on 15 percent and ACT's John Boscawen barely registered with 3 percent.

The June 13 by-election will fill the vacancy left by former prime minister Helen Clark and Mt Albert has been a Labour seat for 63 years.

Miss Clark held it at last year's general election with a huge majority of more than 10,000, although the party vote was much closer between Labour and National.

Tonight's poll showed a similar trend. When voters were asked which party they would support in a general election, 48 percent said Labour and 37 percent backed National.

There is only one vote in the by-election.

The poll, which questioned 500 voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percent, showed there could be a close race for second if Dr Norman can increase his support during the next few days.

National never expected to win the seat but it would be an unexpected blow if it came third.

Meanwhile the Greens have unveiled the policy they hope will boost their bid for the Mt Albert seat - free public transport for all students during school times and a 50 percent discount at other times.

Mr Norman, who is standing in the June 13 by-election, said today it was particularly relevant to Auckland where 56 percent of the city's 250,000 schoolchildren went to school by car.

It would take one in five cars off Auckland's roads at peak times, cut air pollution and save some of the estimated $900 million a year Auckland congestion costs the economy.

"Getting them walking or cycling or even walking to the bus stop or train station would help combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles and a greater sense of community," he said.

The policy is estimated to cost $25m-$50m a year to roll out nationwide.

- NZPA