John Banks

Auckland, July 17 NZPA - Auckland Mayor John Banks opened National's annual conference today with a campaign speech -- about himself.

Mr Banks is a contender for mayor of the new super city council which will be elected in October.

His speech about his vision for Auckland raised eyebrows but Prime Minister John Key wasn't worried.

"Every speech John Banks makes is a campaign speech," he said.

Mr Key would not tell reporters who he was going to vote for.

"I have huge respect for John Banks, Len Brown and the other contenders," he said.