On the campaign trail with Banksy

ANDREA VANCE

John Banks has an entourage bigger than the Prime Minister's.

While John Key makes do with a couple of DPS officers and a press sec here or there, 'Banksy' goes walkabout with his party president, a fellow candidate, six supporters in yellow ACT t-shirts and a translator.

On Friday, he was canvassing in Newmarket's Plaza Food Hall, a little bit of Chinatown in a small alleyway.

''The Chinese make up a third of this electorate,'' Banks explains. ''They are very important.

Seven years ago Banks, as Auckland mayor, chastised Asian immigrants for ''filthy habits'' such as spitting on footpaths. But today he says he respects their work ethic and commitment to education.

''Asian people, particularly the Chinese, are the most friendly on the streets...the hand goes out, they take your card. Very rarely will they turn away.''

In a canteen, some elderly people are gathered around a table. They stand up as he bounds over.

''I'm Banksy,'' he booms. ''Ni hao.'' ''Do you speak Chinese?'' one asks, pumping his hand. ''Yeah a little bit. Ni hao,'' he says. ''I need your support.''

He does. The very survival of the party he only joined in April rests solely on his shoulders.

The latest Fairfax Media-Research International poll has ACT on a disappointing 1.2 per cent.

Other polls suggest National candidate Paul Goldsmith, who is campaigning only for the party vote, is pulling ahead.

At the weekend, ACT's leader Don Brash called for a stronger signal of support from National leader John Key.

''I'm not going to ask the prime minister to endorse me - not today or tomorrow or next week,'' Banks insists.

''Of course, if he is of a mind to give me support, I'd appreciate that because I am going to Parliament to support him. I have a huge responsibility to deliver on election day for the values of the ACT party.''

Behind the counter of an Asian grocery store, Helen is confused about her choices.

''I vote for you on election night, but aaaah,'' she exclaims when the failed Auckland moral candidate wander over.

''Epsom can have two centre right MPs,'' Mr Banks tells her. ''The National MP, he's going to be in Parliament anyway, and me, so we can have two MPs in Parliament. So that will be good, won't it?''

But after the group sweeps out, she's still unsure if the former National cabinet minister will get her vote. 

''Probably. Why he change to the ACT, I don't know. I like him. The ACT, not really because I always vote the National party.''

At the fish market across the road, Banks stops in with Wei Li, 58.

''Yes, he's my very good friend. I support him very much,'' the Hong-Kong businessman says.  ''ACT party? Normally I support National. Maybe, I will vote for whatever John goes with.''

- FAIRFAX NZ